2025 CPT code 80329
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Drug Assay Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
This CPT code reports the definitive identification of one or two non-opioid analgesics in a patient specimen.
Modifiers 90, 91, 59 and others as applicable per specific payer rules and coding scenarios.
Medical necessity for this test would be established based on clinical presentation (e.g., suspected overdose, drug monitoring in a treatment program, evaluating compliance with prescribed medications, post-accident drug screening etc.).Documentation should support the clinical indication for the test. The test results would influence treatment decisions.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs the test and reports the results to the ordering physician. The physician interprets the results within the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other diagnostic information.
In simple words: This lab test checks for one or two types of pain medicine that aren't opiates (strong pain meds from poppies). The test measures how much of the medicine is present or simply whether it's there.
CPT code 80329 represents the definitive identification of one or two non-opioid analgesics (pain medications not derived from opium) in a patient specimen.The testing may be qualitative (positive/negative), quantitative (measuring the exact amount), or a combination.Definitive methods used to identify these drugs include gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).Immunoassays and enzymatic methods are excluded from this code.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency department after a suspected acetaminophen overdose.A serum sample is sent to the laboratory for definitive identification and quantitation of acetaminophen using LC-MS. Code 80329 is used., A patient is undergoing routine drug monitoring as part of a pain management program.The physician orders testing for acetaminophen and salicylate in a urine sample to assess adherence to the prescribed medication regimen. The results are qualitative (positive/negative) and the laboratory uses GC-MS. Code 80329 is reported., A toxicology screen reveals potential presence of two non-opioid analgesics, but confirmation is required. A blood sample undergoes definitive testing using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods via LC-MS/MS. The laboratory analyst reports the code 80329 to the physician.
* Physician order specifying the test.* Patient demographics and unique identifiers.* Specimen type (e.g., serum, urine).* Date and time of specimen collection.* Laboratory report with specific details about the analytes identified and their concentrations (if quantitative).* Method of testing used (e.g., GC-MS, LC-MS).
** This code is for definitive testing, meaning it confirms the presence and/or quantity of specific drugs. Presumptive tests (e.g., immunoassays) may be performed before definitive testing to screen for the presence of drugs, but they are not coded with 80329.The choice of definitive testing method (GC-MS or LC-MS) depends on the laboratory's capabilities and the specific analytes being tested.Consult the official CPT manual for the most up-to-date guidelines and information.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- RVU: Information not available in provided text.RVUs vary based on geographic location and other factors. Consult a relevant fee schedule for current values.
- Global Days: Not applicable. This is a laboratory test, not a surgical procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable for this laboratory code.
- Fee Schedule: Information not provided. Consult a relevant fee schedule database for historical fee data.
- Specialties:Clinical Chemistry, Toxicology, Pathology, Emergency Medicine, Pain Management
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Urgent Care Facility, Emergency Room, Clinical Laboratory