2025 CPT code 80306
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Drug Assay Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Presumptive drug test(s) using instrument-assisted direct optical observation methods (e.g., immunoassay using dipsticks, cards, cartridges).
Modifiers may be applicable, such as modifier 59 for multiple specimen types (e.g., urine and blood) tested on the same day. Consult NCCI edits and payer-specific guidelines for modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established by the ordering physician based on the clinical circumstances, such as suspected drug use, compliance monitoring, or assessment of intoxication.
The clinical laboratory analyst performs the test, including sample validation. The ordering physician interprets the results in context of the patient's clinical presentation.
In simple words: This lab test screens for many types of drugs in a sample (like urine or blood). It uses a machine to help read the results from a device like a dipstick or test strip.The test tells you if drugs might be present, but a more detailed test might be needed to confirm.
This CPT code, 80306, reports presumptive drug testing involving any number of drug classes and procedures using instrument-assisted direct optical observation methods.Examples include immunoassays performed on dipsticks, cards, or cartridges that require instrumentation to read the results. The code encompasses all sample validation procedures (e.g., pH, specific gravity, nitrite) performed on the same date of service.It's reported once per day, regardless of the number of drug classes tested or results obtained. This is a screening test; further confirmatory testing may be necessary.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency department following a motor vehicle accident with suspected impairment. A urine sample is collected, and code 80306 is used to report the presumptive drug screen using an instrument-assisted dipstick test., During a routine follow-up appointment for a patient on opioid pain medication, a urine drug screen is ordered to monitor compliance. Code 80306 is used to bill for the instrument-assisted presumptive drug screen performed on the urine specimen., A patient is admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility and undergoes a comprehensive drug screening as part of their admission assessment. Code 80306 is reported for the presumptive test, performed using a cartridge-based immunoassay on urine using instrument-assisted read.
* Patient demographics and relevant identifiers.* Date and time of specimen collection.* Type of specimen (e.g., urine).* Method used for testing (e.g., specific immunoassay used).* Test results.* Physician's order for the test.
** Sample validation procedures are included in the code.Do not separately bill for procedures such as urinalysis, creatinine, or pH tests if performed as part of the sample validation.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: Information not available in provided text.Refer to CMS fee schedules for current RVU values.
- Global Days: Not applicable. This is a single-day service.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Technical Component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code as the service inherently includes the technical component.Professional Component (26) modifier may be reported separately for professional interpretation if applicable and according to payer guidelines.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in the provided text. Refer to CMS fee schedules for historical fee data.
- Specialties:* Clinical Chemistry* Toxicology* Emergency Medicine* Addiction Medicine* Pain Management
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient/Outpatient), Urgent Care Facility, Laboratory, Other