2025 CPT code 81182
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Molecular Pathology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Analysis of the ATXN8OS gene to detect abnormal alleles, specifically expanded sequences, often associated with spinocerebellar ataxia 8 (SCA8).
Modifier 26 may be appended if only interpretation and report are performed by a physician, and modifier 90 may apply for outside laboratory testing.
Medical necessity is established based on the patient's clinical presentation consistent with SCA8 or a strong family history of the disorder. The test aids in diagnosis, carrier identification, or genetic counseling for at-risk individuals.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs all technical aspects of the test, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection of the target gene.
In simple words: This lab test checks for changes in a gene called ATXN8OS. These changes can sometimes cause a disease called spinocerebellar ataxia 8 (SCA8), which affects coordination and movement. The test looks for extra copies of a small part of the gene that repeats more than normal.The lab does all the work, from getting the genetic material to detecting these repeats.
This CPT code encompasses the analysis of the ATXN8 opposite strand (non-protein coding) gene, also known as ATXN8OS, to identify abnormal alleles characterized by expanded sequences (typically involving increased CTA/CTG nucleotide repeats).The procedure includes all analytical steps: nucleic acid extraction (e.g., cell lysis, digestion), amplification (e.g., polymerase chain reaction [PCR]), and detection of target genes.Results may require interpretation by a qualified healthcare professional (modifier 26 may be appended if only interpretation is performed).
Example 1: A patient presents with progressive gait ataxia, speech difficulties, and hand tremors.The clinician suspects SCA8 and orders this test to confirm the diagnosis by analyzing for expanded alleles in the ATXN8OS gene., A family history of SCA8 prompts genetic testing for at-risk individuals.This test is ordered for asymptomatic family members to assess their carrier status for expanded alleles in the ATXN8OS gene., A patient with ataxia of unknown origin undergoes comprehensive genetic testing, including this assay to assess for possible SCA8, which is included in the panel of tests for genetic forms of ataxia.
** Some payers may separately reimburse for specimen collection (e.g., code 36415).The interpretation, if separately billed, must be performed by an MD or DO, not a PhD laboratory scientist, according to CMS guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Neurology, Genetics, Clinical Laboratory
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Outpatient, Clinical Laboratory