AMA CPT® Assistant - 2018 Issue 6 (June)
New MAAA Codes for Breast Oncology (June 2018)
June 2018 page 8 New MAAA Codes for Breast Oncology Two new Category I codes (81520, 81521) were added to the Pathology and Laboratory/Multianalyte Assays with Algorithmic Analyses (MAAA) subsection of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) 2018 code set. These codes describe molecular diagnostic testing of genes expressed in patients diagnosed with breast carcinomas to calculate a risk score for recurrence (81520) and an index related to the risk of distant metastasis (81521). Both codes were added to Appendix O, which includes a table of the Administrative and Category I MAAAs, as well as the proprietary test name...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This premium article covers June 2018 CPT® updates for breast oncology multianalyte assays with algorithmic analyses (MAAA), including the addition of new Category I codes, the relationship to Appendix O, and the surrounding reporting context for proprietary tests and prior administrative or unlisted-code reporting. It is intended for coders, billing staff, laboratory professionals, and oncology practices that need to understand how the update fits into CPT® 2018 reporting guidance and the related clinical-laboratory workflow described in the article.
Why This Topic Matters
Breast oncology molecular testing is often reported in complex coding environments where CPT® category structure, proprietary test naming, and historical reporting pathways all matter. Understanding the scope of these updates helps practices align documentation and reporting with the current code set.
Article Sections
-
June 2018 page 8
Introductory article placement and topic framing within the June 2018 CPT® Assistant issue.
-
New MAAA Codes for Breast Oncology
Overview of the CPT® 2018 breast oncology MAAA update, including the new code additions, Appendix O context, and the broader reporting framework for proprietary and administrative assays.
-
Multianalyte Assays with Algorithmic Analyses
Summary of the two breast oncology assay entries introduced in the MAAA subsection and their general test categories.
-
Clinical Example (81520) / Description of Procedure (81520)
A clinical scenario and procedural workflow associated with one breast oncology molecular assay, presented to illustrate the type of laboratory process discussed in the article.
-
Clinical Example (81521) / Description of Procedure (81521)
A clinical scenario and procedural workflow associated with the second breast oncology molecular assay, including the laboratory and reporting context described in the article.
What You Will Learn
- How the June 2018 CPT® update affected breast oncology MAAA reporting
- How Appendix O relates to proprietary multianalyte assay reporting
- How the article frames the distinction between Category I, administrative, and unlisted MAAA reporting
- What broad laboratory workflow elements are described for the breast oncology assays
- How the article situates the update within CPT® 2018 code-set changes
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Oncology billing staff
- Molecular pathology laboratories
- Pathologists
- Breast oncology practices
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com
