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The CPT® Code 80143 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of acetaminophen in the blood. Acetaminophen is widely recognized as one of the most common over-the-counter medications used for pain relief and fever reduction. However, it is also associated with significant health risks, particularly in cases of overdose, which can lead to severe conditions such as toxic hepatitis. The primary purpose of this test is to monitor therapeutic levels of acetaminophen to ensure they remain within a safe range, thereby preventing potential toxicity and assessing the risk of liver damage. Therapeutic drug monitoring is crucial, as levels between 10-20 mcg/mL are considered safe, while levels exceeding 200 mcg/mL, especially when measured four hours post-ingestion, indicate a heightened risk for liver injury. The testing process typically employs immunoassay or enzymatic methods, including advanced techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). A venous blood sample is collected separately for this analysis. The serum samples undergo gel filtration and hydrolysis, which facilitates the release of acetaminophen cysteine from acetaminophen-protein adducts. Following this, the protein is precipitated and extracted, and the resulting samples are injected into the HPLC-EC system for analysis. The detection of results is accomplished using a coulometric electrochemical detector, and the final values are reported to provide critical information regarding the patient's acetaminophen levels.
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The acetaminophen laboratory test (CPT® Code 80143) is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for conducting the acetaminophen test involves several critical steps to ensure accurate measurement of drug levels in the blood:
After the acetaminophen test is completed, the healthcare provider will review the results to determine if the acetaminophen levels are within the therapeutic range. If the levels are found to be elevated, further evaluation and management may be necessary to address potential toxicity and protect liver function. Patients may be monitored for symptoms of overdose, and additional tests may be ordered to assess liver function and overall health. It is important for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the findings.
| Short Descr | DRUG ASSAY ACETAMINOPHEN | Medium Descr | DRUG ASSAY ACETAMINOPHEN | Long Descr | Acetaminophen | 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 | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 2 |
| 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. | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary |
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| 2021-01-01 | Added | Code added. |
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