Pathology and Laboratory: Microbiology (Q&A) (August 2016)

August 2016 page 10b Pathology and Laboratory: Microbiology Question: If a laboratory performed a next-generation sequencing test panel as a single procedure on a single specimen that examines 10 genes as part of that test, and the panel includes multiple genes that have CPT Tier 1 codes (81161-81381), multiple genes in CPT Tier 2 codes (81400-81408), and multiple genes that have no specific CPT code (presumably 81479, if billed as individual genes), what is the proper coding for such a panel? Answer: If there is no specific CPT code for the panel, and there are Tier 1 and Tier...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This August 2016 CPT Assistant Q&A article explains general coding considerations for laboratory microbiology and molecular pathology services. It is intended for coding professionals and laboratory billing staff who need to understand how the article discusses panel-based testing, analyte-specific reporting concepts, and CPT guidance for microbiology assays. The content focuses on coding categories, code-set usage, and when to look to broader CPT guidance for reporting laboratory results.

Why This Topic Matters

Laboratory test panels and organism-based assays can involve more than one coding pathway, so understanding the article helps readers determine whether the discussion applies to their microbiology or molecular pathology billing workflow. It is useful for organizations that report CPT-based laboratory services and want to compare scenarios covered in the article against their own testing programs.

Article Sections

  1. Question: Next-generation sequencing panel with multiple genes

    Discusses a laboratory panel scenario involving molecular pathology coding categories and how the article frames reporting when multiple analytes are part of a single procedure.

  2. Question: Reporting organism-detection assay codes

    Addresses a microbiology coding question involving nucleic acid detection assays and the distinction between general organism testing approaches discussed in CPT guidance.

What You Will Learn

  • How the article frames coding considerations for a multi-gene laboratory panel.
  • How the article distinguishes among microbiology assay reporting scenarios.
  • How CPT guidance is presented in relation to separate results for tested organisms.
  • The general subject areas covered by the article’s microbiology Q&A format.

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Laboratory billing staff
  • Pathology practices
  • Compliance staff
  • Revenue cycle professionals

Codes Discussed

Code Ranges Discussed


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