CPT® Code 80104

Code deleted, see 80300, 80301, 80302, 80303, 80304

Official Description

Drug screen, qualitative; multiple drug classes other than chromatographic method, each procedure

Common Language Description

A qualitative drug screen is a laboratory procedure designed to detect the presence or absence of multiple drug classes in a specimen, utilizing methods that do not involve chromatography. Unlike quantitative drug tests, which measure the concentration of drugs, qualitative tests focus solely on whether specific drugs or drug classes are present in the sample. This type of screening is essential in various clinical settings, including emergency departments, rehabilitation centers, and routine health assessments, where rapid results are often required. One common method employed for this type of testing is the fluorescent immunoassay, which is analyzed using a fluorescent spectrophotometer. This method is typically performed on a point-of-service rapid test system, allowing for immediate results. The specimen for testing can be obtained from various sources, including blood serum, urine, saliva, sweat, hair, or other biological materials. The technician follows the physician's orders to program the testing device for the specific drug classes to be screened. After the specimen is tested according to the manufacturer's instructions, the device provides a clear positive or negative result for each drug class analyzed, facilitating timely clinical decision-making.

1. Indications

The qualitative drug screen is indicated for the following conditions:

Substance Abuse Screening This procedure is often utilized in settings where there is a need to identify potential substance abuse, such as in rehabilitation programs or pre-employment screenings.
Monitoring Compliance It is used to monitor patients' compliance with prescribed medications, particularly in pain management or addiction treatment scenarios.
Emergency Situations In emergency departments, qualitative drug screens can assist in quickly identifying substances that may be affecting a patient's health status.
Legal and Forensic Testing This procedure may be employed in legal contexts to determine drug use in individuals involved in legal cases or custody disputes.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting a qualitative drug screen involves several key steps:

Specimen Collection The first step is obtaining a specimen sample from the patient. This can be done using various methods, depending on the type of specimen required, such as urine, blood serum, saliva, or hair.
Device Programming Once the specimen is collected, the technician refers to the physician's orders to determine which drug classes need to be screened. The testing device is then programmed accordingly to analyze these specific drug classes.
Testing Process Following the programming, the technician conducts the test according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically involves placing the specimen into the testing device, which utilizes a fluorescent immunoassay method to detect the presence of the selected drugs.
Result Interpretation After the testing is complete, the device displays results indicating whether each drug class tested is positive or negative. This information is crucial for making informed clinical decisions.

3. Post-Procedure

After the qualitative drug screen is completed, the results are reviewed by the healthcare provider. If any drug classes test positive, further evaluation may be necessary to confirm the results, which could include more specific testing methods. The healthcare provider will discuss the findings with the patient and determine the appropriate course of action based on the results. Additionally, documentation of the test results and any follow-up actions taken is essential for compliance and record-keeping purposes.

Short Descr	DRUG SCRN 1+ CLASS NONCHROMO
Medium Descr	DRUG SCRN QUAL MLT CLASS NONCHROMOTOGRAPHIC EACH
Long Descr	Drug screen, qualitative; multiple drug classes other than chromatographic method, each procedure
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	9 - 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	Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS)	5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE	Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification	206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology)