AMA CPT® Assistant - 2015 Issue 4 (April)
Definitive vs Presumptive: The "New" Qualitative/Quantitative Designation for Drug Identification and Testing (April 2015)
April 2015 pages 3-5 Definitive vs Presumptive: The "New" Qualitative/Quantitative Designation for Drug Identification and Testing Qualitative vs quantitative was the previous approach for drug identification and testing. However, given the advances in drug testing, the kinds of drugs now in need of testing, and the need for more specific differentiation of testing procedures according to the work that is done, a shift in focus has occurred. The new codes in the 2015 CPT code set allow for better differentiation and identification of the procedures is tested. The new coding system also encourages better notation of how much work...
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Article Overview
This article explains a major 2015 CPT update affecting drug identification and testing. It compares the older qualitative/quantitative framework with the newer presumptive/definitive structure, and it describes how the Pathology and Laboratory section was reorganized to support the updated reporting approach. The discussion is relevant to coders, billers, lab personnel, and compliance staff who work with drug testing services and related laboratory reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers understand how CPT 2015 changed the organization of drug testing reporting and which sections of the code set were revised, retained, deleted, or resequenced. That makes it useful for anyone needing to interpret drug-testing documentation in the context of the updated CPT structure.
Article Sections
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April 2015 pages 3-5
Introductory publication information and article framing for the CPT 2015 drug testing update.
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Previous Drug Testing Coding System
Overview of the earlier framework used for drug testing reporting and the limitations that motivated change.
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Revision from Drug Testing to Drug Assay
Discussion of the restructuring in CPT 2015, including the new subsection organization and supporting listings and definitions.
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Therapeutic Drug Assays Changes
Summary of the retained therapeutic drug assay subsection and the types of guideline and code updates described for it.
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Chemistry Coding Changes
Overview of the chemistry subsection revisions tied to the broader drug testing reorganization.
What You Will Learn
- How the 2015 CPT drug testing framework differs from the earlier approach
- What broad categories of changes were made to the drug assay structure
- Which CPT subsections were retained, revised, deleted, or resequenced at a high level
- How the article situates drug testing updates within the Pathology and Laboratory section
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing and reimbursement staff
- Clinical laboratory personnel
- Compliance and audit professionals
- Practice managers
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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