Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Haloperidol is a medication commonly used in the treatment of schizophrenia, a serious mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, and sense of self. It is also utilized in managing symptoms associated with Tourette's syndrome, which includes involuntary tics and vocal utterances. The CPT® Code 80173 refers to a specific blood test that measures the level of haloperidol in the bloodstream. This monitoring is crucial as it helps healthcare providers determine the appropriate dosage of the medication for each patient, ensuring therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing the risk of toxicity. The test involves obtaining a blood specimen through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. The analysis of the blood serum or plasma is conducted using advanced techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC), both of which are reliable methods for accurately quantifying drug levels in the body. Regular monitoring of haloperidol levels is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes and safeguarding patient health.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The haloperidol level monitoring test (CPT® Code 80173) is indicated for patients who are undergoing treatment with haloperidol. The specific indications for performing this test include:
The procedure for testing haloperidol levels involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:
After the blood specimen has been collected, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, the patient may be advised to apply pressure to the venipuncture site to minimize bruising and bleeding. It is also important for the healthcare provider to discuss the expected timeline for receiving test results and any potential follow-up appointments to review the findings. Patients should be monitored for any adverse reactions to the blood draw, although such occurrences are rare. The results of the haloperidol level test will guide the ongoing management of the patient's treatment, ensuring that the medication remains effective and safe.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF HALOPERIDOL | Medium Descr | DRUG SCREEN QUANTITATIVE HALOPRIDOL | Long Descr | Haloperidol | 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) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 235 - Other Laboratory |
| 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. | QJ | Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b) | 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. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium description changed per AMA 2013 corrections document dated January 25, 2013. |
| 2001-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2001. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.