2025 HCPCS code G0482
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory Services - Definitive Drug Testing Other Services Feed
Definitive drug testing, identifying individual drugs and metabolites for 15-21 drug classes, using GC/MS or LC/MS (excluding immunoassays) methods, per day.
Modifiers may be applicable based on specific circumstances.Consult the payer's guidelines for modifier usage.
Medical necessity for this test would be established by the presence of clinical indicators suggesting substance abuse, such as symptoms of intoxication or withdrawal, abnormal vital signs, a history of substance abuse, or suspicion of non-compliance with treatment.
Clinical laboratory personnel are responsible for performing the test, analyzing the results, and reporting them to the ordering physician.
In simple words: This lab test checks for 15 to 21 types of drugs and their byproducts in a blood or urine sample. It uses advanced equipment to identify and measure the exact amount of each drug found.The test is done once per day.
This HCPCS code, G0482, represents definitive drug testing that identifies and quantifies specific drugs and their metabolites across 15 to 21 drug classes.The testing utilizes methods such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), single or tandem, excluding immunoassays.Enzymatic methods (e.g., alcohol dehydrogenase) may also be used. The test includes specimen validity testing and is reported per day.The results can be qualitative (positive/negative) or quantitative (measuring the exact amount of a substance).
Example 1: A patient presents to an emergency room after a suspected drug overdose. G0482 is used to comprehensively test for multiple drugs and their metabolites., A probation officer requires a drug screen for a patient on parole.G0482 is used to provide a thorough assessment of drug use., A physician orders G0482 for a patient suspected of having a substance abuse problem to better understand the extent of their drug use.
* Physician order specifying the test.* Patient demographics and identifiers.* Specimen collection date and time.* Complete test results.* Method of testing used.* Medical necessity documentation, particularly if payer requires it for reimbursement.This might include clinical notes outlining the patient's condition and rationale for the broad-panel test.
** Reimbursement for G0482 may be subject to prior authorization or medical necessity documentation requirements by certain payers. It’s crucial to verify with the specific payer before submitting claims.
- Revenue Code: 0360, 0370 (dependent on payer and specific service arrangement)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code will vary depending on the geographic location and payer.Consult your local Medicare fee schedule or payer-specific guidelines for current values.
- Global Days: This code is reported per day.There is no global surgical period associated with it.
- Payment Status: Active (but reimbursement may vary by payer and require additional documentation of medical necessity)
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this professional laboratory test.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary significantly by payer and location; consult fee schedules from the payer(s) involved for the specific date of service.
- Specialties:* Addiction Medicine* Emergency Medicine* Toxicology* Occupational Medicine* Forensic Medicine
- Place of Service:Laboratory, Hospital (Inpatient/Outpatient), Physician's office, Urgent Care