How To Use CPT Code 81382

CPT 81382 describes the high resolution typing of HLA Class II genes, specifically for one locus, using molecular techniques. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 81382?

CPT 81382 can be used to identify specific alleles for one HLA Class II locus, such as HLA-DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQB1, -DQA1, -DPB1, or -DPA1. This code is used for high resolution typing, which involves looking for common well-documented alleles and identifying them to a high level of specificity, such as a 4-digit HLA name. It may also involve reporting a string of alleles or a National Bone Marrow Donor Program code for rare, non-CWD alleles.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81382 is: ‘HLA Class II typing, high resolution (ie, alleles or allele groups); one locus (eg, HLA-DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQB1, -DQA1, -DPB1, or -DPA1), each. When only the presence or absence of a single allele or allele group is reported using high resolution testing, use 81383. When high resolution typing of any or all of the DRB3/4/5 genes is performed, treat as one locus.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical steps of the high resolution HLA Class II typing using molecular techniques.
2. This includes extracting nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA, from the patient’s sample.
3. The lab analyst then identifies the target HLA gene sequences through methods like amplification and hybridization with nucleic acid probes or direct sequencing-based typing.
4. The test is performed for one HLA Class II locus, such as HLA-DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQB1, -DQA1, -DPB1, or -DPA1.
5. If high resolution typing involves more than two alleles or allele groups at a single locus, report one unit of CPT 81382 for each locus.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 81382 is used when high resolution typing is required for one HLA Class II locus. This test is not limited to a specific condition and can be ordered to assess donor/recipient compatibility for solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants. It can also be ordered to identify an HLA Class II allele that indicates specific disease states.

5. When to use CPT code 81382

CPT code 81382 should be used when high resolution typing is performed for one HLA Class II locus. It is important to use the fewest number of codes possible to account for the testing. If high resolution typing is performed for multiple Class II loci, report one unit of CPT 81382 for each locus.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81382, the following documentation is required:

• Indication of the need for high resolution typing for one HLA Class II locus
• Specific alleles identified or a National Bone Marrow Donor Program code for rare, non-CWD alleles
• Date and time of the test
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81382, ensure that the test is performed for one HLA Class II locus using high resolution typing. Use additional codes if prep work, such as tissue selection or microdissection, is separately performed. If the ordering clinician requests physician interpretation and the pathologist provides an interpretation and report, report additional codes as necessary. If HLA Class II typing is performed by serology, use appropriate codes from the 86812-86821 range instead of CPT 81382.

8. Historical information

CPT 81382 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2012. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes high resolution typing for HLA-DRB1 to assess compatibility for a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
2. A clinician orders high resolution typing for HLA-DQB1 to identify an HLA Class II allele associated with a specific disease state.
3. A lab analyst performs high resolution typing for HLA-DPA1 to determine donor/recipient compatibility for a solid organ transplant.
4. High resolution typing for HLA-DRB3/4/5 is performed to assess compatibility for a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
5. A patient undergoes high resolution typing for HLA-DQA1 to identify an HLA Class II allele associated with a specific disease state.
6. High resolution typing for HLA-DPB1 is performed to determine donor/recipient compatibility for a solid organ transplant.
7. A clinician orders high resolution typing for HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 to assess compatibility for a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.