2025 CPT code 81201

APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) (eg, familial adenomatosis polyposis [FAP], attenuated FAP) gene analysis; full gene sequence

Refer to CPT coding guidelines for molecular pathology procedures and genetic testing.

Modifier 26 may be appended if only the interpretation and report are performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

Medical necessity is determined by the patient's clinical presentation and risk factors for conditions associated with APC gene mutations, such as FAP and desmoid tumors.

The laboratory analyst performs the technical aspects of the test including cell lysis, nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection.

IMPORTANT Related codes include 81202 (APC known familial variants) and 81203 (APC duplication/deletion variants). These codes should not be reported together, except in uncommon scenarios.

In simple words: This test analyzes your entire APC gene.The APC gene helps control how your cells grow and divide. Problems with this gene can sometimes lead to growths in the colon (polyps), which may become cancerous.

This code represents a full gene sequence analysis of the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene.This test analyzes the entire gene sequence, and is not limited to testing for specific variants.

Example 1: A patient with a family history of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) undergoes genetic testing to determine their risk., A patient presents with multiple colon polyps, and APC gene sequencing is performed to confirm a suspected diagnosis of attenuated FAP., A patient with a desmoid tumor undergoes APC gene sequencing to identify a potential underlying genetic cause.

Documentation should include the reason for testing, relevant family history, and clinical findings.

** Procedures required prior to cell lysis, such as microdissection (88380, 88381), should be reported separately. 

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