© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The HLA Class I typing, low resolution (CPT® Code 81373) is a laboratory procedure that focuses on identifying specific genetic markers known as human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) within the Class I category. The HLA system is a critical component of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which plays a vital role in the immune system by facilitating self-recognition. This means that the MHC helps the body distinguish its own cells and tissues from foreign invaders, such as pathogens and nonself cells. HLAs are located on the short arm of chromosome 6 and are essential for the immune system's normal functioning. Within the HLA system, there are two main classes: Class I and Class II, with Class I being particularly significant for immune responses. The most important loci within Class I are HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C. Each of these loci can have multiple variants known as alleles, which are designated by the locus name followed by an asterisk (*) and a series of digits that provide specific information about the allele. For example, HLA-B*08:01 indicates a specific allele within the HLA-B locus. The low resolution typing of HLA Class I is particularly useful in various medical contexts, including organ transplantation, where matching donor and recipient HLAs can significantly impact the success of the transplant. Additionally, HLAs are involved in the body's defense against diseases, including certain cancers and autoimmune disorders. The procedure typically involves molecular techniques for DNA extraction, which require cell lysis and protein digestion. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is commonly employed in this process, specifically using a method called PCR sequence specific priming (SSP) to amplify groups of alleles. CPT® Code 81373 is specifically used when low resolution testing is performed for a single HLA Class I locus, such as HLA-A, HLA-B, or HLA-C. For comprehensive low resolution typing that includes all three loci, CPT® Code 81372 should be used. In cases where low resolution testing is aimed at identifying a specific Class I antigen equivalent, such as B*27, CPT® Code 81374 is applicable.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The HLA Class I typing, low resolution (CPT® Code 81373) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where understanding an individual's HLA profile is essential. The following conditions and situations may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for HLA Class I typing, low resolution, involves several key steps to ensure accurate identification of the specific HLA locus. The following procedural steps are typically followed:
After the HLA Class I typing procedure is completed, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care, as the process is minimally invasive. However, it is essential to communicate the results to the patient and relevant healthcare providers. The results can significantly impact clinical decisions, particularly in the context of organ transplantation and disease management. Follow-up consultations may be necessary to discuss the implications of the HLA typing results, especially if they indicate a need for further testing or interventions related to autoimmune diseases, cancer susceptibility, or transplant compatibility.
| Short Descr | HLA I TYPING 1 LOCUS LR | Medium Descr | HLA CLASS I TYPING LOW RESOLUTION ONE LOCUS EACH | Long Descr | HLA Class I typing, low resolution (eg, antigen equivalents); one locus (eg, HLA-A, -B, or -C), each | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | 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 | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Service Paid under Fee Schedule or Payment System other than OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 234 - Pathology |
| 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. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2012-01-01 | Added | Added |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.