© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 80320 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the presence and concentration of alcohols, including ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol, in blood or other body fluids. This test is crucial in various clinical settings, as it aids in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating certain medical conditions related to alcohol consumption. Additionally, it plays a significant role in drug abuse screening, helping healthcare professionals assess a patient's substance use. The measurement of alcohol levels can be performed on different types of specimens, such as serum, plasma, whole blood, saliva, and urine. It is important to note that the concentration of alcohol varies across these fluids due to their differing water content; for instance, plasma and serum levels are typically 12-18% higher than those found in whole blood, while saliva levels can be 7% higher, and urine levels may be as much as 30% higher than whole blood. The testing methods employed for this analysis include gas chromatography and enzymatic oxidation assay (EOA). Gas chromatography, while more time-consuming, provides a quantitative evaluation of ethanol and can also identify the presence of methanol and isopropanol. In contrast, the EOA is a rapid testing method that utilizes alcohol dehydrogenase to create a visible color change in the presence of alcohol, although it is not specific to ethanol and may overlook methanol and isopropanol entirely.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The laboratory test coded as CPT® 80320 is indicated for use in various clinical scenarios where the measurement of alcohol levels is necessary. The following conditions and situations may warrant this test:
The procedure for conducting the alcohol measurement test under CPT® 80320 involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:
After the completion of the alcohol measurement test, the following post-procedure considerations are important:
Results from the test are typically communicated to the ordering physician, who will interpret the findings in the context of the patient's clinical situation. Depending on the results, further evaluation or intervention may be necessary. If elevated alcohol levels are detected, the physician may initiate discussions regarding treatment options for alcohol use disorders or other related medical conditions. Additionally, if the test is part of a legal investigation, the results may be used in court proceedings or legal assessments. It is also essential for healthcare providers to ensure that proper documentation is maintained regarding the test results and any subsequent actions taken based on those results.
| Short Descr | DRUG SCREEN QUANTALCOHOLS | Medium Descr | DRUG SCREEN QUANTITATIVE ALCOHOLS | Long Descr | Alcohols | Status Code | Not Valid for Medicare Purposes | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Code Not Recognized by OPPS when submitted on Outpatient Hospital Part B Bill Type (12x/13x) | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T2D - Other tests - other | MUE | 1 |
| 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 90 | Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number. | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician |
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| 2021-01-01 | Note | Guidelines changed. |
| 2015-01-01 | Added | Added |