Advanced Search

Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Catch Up to Drug Test Code Changes

Published on Wed Dec 10, 2014

Question: I know the drug screen codes change in the latest CPT® update — how should we report a urine drug screen by immunoassay kit for amphetamines, barbiturates, and cocaine in a single cup in 2015?

Codify Subscriber

Answer: Subject to payer instruction, in 2015, you should report this service using new code 80300 (Drug screen, any number of drug classes from Drug Class List A; any number of non-TLC devices or procedures, [e.g., immunoassay] capable of being read by direct optical observation, including instrumented-assisted when performed [e.g., dipsticks, cups, cards, cartridges], per date of service).
 
CPT® 2015 includes drug class list A in the instructions for the new section on presumptive drug class screening. The list A includes amphetamines, barbiturates, and cocaine metabolite, among many others. 
 
Replace old codes: Make sure you update your system to use the new drug screen codes. In 2014 you would have reported this same service as 80104 (Drug screen, qualitative; multiple drug classes other than chromatographic method, each procedure), but CPT® deletes that code for 2015.

Other Articles in this issue of

Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

View All