How To Use CPT Code 81414

CPT 81414 describes the analysis of genetic duplications and deletions related to cardiac ion channelopathies. 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 81414?

CPT 81414 can be used to analyze genetic duplications and deletions associated with cardiac ion channelopathies. This code is specifically used for a panel test that examines at least two genes, including KCNH2 and KCNQ1, to identify these genetic variations. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with CPT 81439 if performed on the same date of service.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81414 is: ‘Cardiac ion channelopathies (eg, Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia); duplication/deletion gene analysis panel, must include analysis of at least 2 genes, including KCNH2 and KCNQ1.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs a panel test to evaluate the patient specimen for genetic duplications and deletions of at least the two genes listed in the code descriptor.
2. The lab analyst may use a method such as Multiplex Ligation dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) to detect large deletions and duplications of nucleotide sequences that normal DNA sequencing methods may not detect.
3. This test is not limited to a specific condition but can be ordered by clinicians to evaluate patients for cardiac ion channelopathies such as Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, or catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
4. Clinicians may order this test for patients with a clinically suspected cardiac ion channelopathy following a negative sequencing test.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 81414 is used for patients who require evaluation for genetic duplications and deletions related to cardiac ion channelopathies. This test is ordered by clinicians to assess conditions such as Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, or catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with CPT 81439 if performed on the same date of service.

5. When to use CPT code 81414

CPT code 81414 should be used when a panel test is performed to analyze genetic duplications and deletions associated with cardiac ion channelopathies. This code is specifically used when at least two genes, including KCNH2 and KCNQ1, are analyzed. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with CPT 81439 if performed on the same date of service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81414, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s clinical information and indication for the test
• Specific genes analyzed, including KCNH2 and KCNQ1
• Date of the test
• Results of the analysis, including any genetic duplications or deletions identified
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81414, ensure that the panel test includes the analysis of at least two genes, including KCNH2 and KCNQ1. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with CPT 81439 if performed on the same date of service. Some payers may also separately reimburse for the collection of the specimen using a code such as 36415. It is important to review payer guidelines and documentation requirements for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 81414 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2017. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with suspected Brugada syndrome undergoes a panel test to analyze genetic duplications and deletions associated with cardiac ion channelopathies.
2. A patient with a family history of long QT syndrome undergoes a panel test to evaluate genetic variations related to cardiac ion channelopathies.
3. A patient with symptoms of short QT syndrome undergoes a panel test to identify genetic duplications and deletions associated with cardiac ion channelopathies.
4. A patient with suspected catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia undergoes a panel test to assess genetic variations related to cardiac ion channelopathies.
5. A patient with a negative sequencing test for cardiac ion channelopathies undergoes a panel test to evaluate genetic duplications and deletions.