How To Use CPT Code 81422

CPT 81422 describes the genomic sequence analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood for chromosomal microdeletion(s) associated with conditions such as DiGeorge syndrome and Cri-du-chat syndrome. 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 81422?

CPT 81422 can be used to describe the genomic sequence analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood for the detection of chromosomal microdeletion(s) associated with conditions like DiGeorge syndrome and Cri-du-chat syndrome. This code is used when the lab analyst performs a specialized procedure to isolate the circulating cell-free fetal DNA from maternal blood and uses a next-generation gene sequencer to analyze the genomic sequence for specific microdeletions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 81422 is: ‘Fetal chromosomal microdeletion(s) genomic sequence analysis (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Cri-du-chat syndrome), circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst isolates the circulating cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) from maternal blood using specialized methods such as centrifugation or column separation.
2. Using a next-generation gene sequencer, the lab analyst performs a genomic sequence analysis of the cffDNA to detect chromosomal microdeletion(s) associated with conditions like DiGeorge syndrome and Cri-du-chat syndrome.
3. The gene sequencer generates a sequence read, which is compared to a reference genome to identify any variations or microdeletions.
4. The lab analyst interprets the results and reports the presence or absence of chromosomal microdeletion(s) to aid in the diagnosis of fetal conditions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 81422 is used for the analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood to detect chromosomal microdeletion(s) associated with conditions such as DiGeorge syndrome and Cri-du-chat syndrome. This procedure is typically ordered by clinicians to aid in the diagnosis of fetal conditions characterized by specific microdeletions. The lab analyst must use specialized equipment, such as a next-generation gene sequencer, to perform the genomic sequence analysis.

5. When to use CPT code 81422

CPT code 81422 should be used when performing genomic sequence analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood to detect chromosomal microdeletion(s) associated with conditions like DiGeorge syndrome and Cri-du-chat syndrome. This code should not be reported when performing other molecular multianalyte assays for copy number analysis or when analyzing chromosomal abnormalities by sequence analysis included in other codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 81422, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the test and the specific condition being evaluated
• Details of the genomic sequence analysis procedure performed
• Date of the analysis
• Results of the analysis, including the presence or absence of chromosomal microdeletion(s)
• Interpretation of the results by the lab analyst
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 81422, ensure that the procedure involves the genomic sequence analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood for chromosomal microdeletion(s) associated with specific conditions. Do not report CPT codes 81228, 81229, or 88271 when performing genomic sequencing procedures or other molecular multianalyte assays for copy number analysis. Do not report CPT code 81349 when analyzing chromosomal abnormalities by sequence analysis included in CPT codes 81425 or 81426.

8. Historical information

CPT 81422 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 lab analyst performs a genomic sequence analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood to detect a chromosomal microdeletion associated with DiGeorge syndrome.
2. A pregnant woman undergoes a genomic sequence analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood to screen for a chromosomal microdeletion associated with Cri-du-chat syndrome.
3. A clinician orders a genomic sequence analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood to evaluate the presence of a chromosomal microdeletion indicating a specific fetal condition.
4. A lab analyst uses a next-generation gene sequencer to perform a genomic sequence analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood for the detection of a chromosomal microdeletion associated with a known genetic disorder.
5. A pregnant patient undergoes a genomic sequence analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood to assess the risk of a chromosomal microdeletion syndrome in the fetus.
6. A lab analyst analyzes the circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood to detect a chromosomal microdeletion associated with a rare genetic disorder.
7. A clinician orders a genomic sequence analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood to confirm a suspected chromosomal microdeletion syndrome in the fetus.
8. A lab analyst performs a genomic sequence analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood to identify a chromosomal microdeletion associated with a specific syndrome.
9. A pregnant woman undergoes a genomic sequence analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood to screen for the presence of a chromosomal microdeletion associated with a known genetic disorder.