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The CPT® Code 80176 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of lidocaine in the blood. Lidocaine, which is also known by its brand name Xylocaine, is a medication primarily used as an anesthetic agent. It functions by providing a central neural blockade, which can lead to increased cardiac output, peripheral resistance, and mean arterial pressure when administered intravenously. This is particularly relevant in the context of cardiac arrhythmia prophylaxis, where maintaining stable heart rhythms is crucial. The testing process involves obtaining a blood sample, which is typically done through a venipuncture, a procedure that can be reported separately. Following the collection of the blood sample, the serum is analyzed using a technique known as fluorescence polarization immunoassay. This method allows for accurate quantification of lidocaine levels in the bloodstream. The timing of the blood level assessments is critical; they are conducted 12 hours after the initiation of lidocaine therapy and subsequently every 24 hours until the medication is discontinued. This systematic approach ensures that healthcare providers can monitor the patient's response to the medication and adjust dosages as necessary to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 80176 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for measuring lidocaine levels involves several critical steps that ensure accurate results. First, a healthcare professional will perform a venipuncture to obtain a blood sample from the patient. This step is essential as it provides the necessary specimen for testing. Once the blood sample is collected, it is processed to separate the serum, which is the component that will be analyzed. The testing method employed is fluorescence polarization immunoassay, a sensitive and specific technique that allows for the quantification of lidocaine levels in the serum. The timing of the blood sample collection is also crucial; the first sample is taken 12 hours after the initiation of lidocaine therapy, followed by additional samples every 24 hours until the medication is discontinued. This systematic approach to sampling ensures that healthcare providers can effectively monitor the patient's response to the medication and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment regimen.
After the procedure, the patient may experience minimal discomfort at the venipuncture site, which is typical. There are no specific post-procedure care requirements mentioned for this test; however, it is essential for healthcare providers to monitor the patient’s overall response to lidocaine therapy. The results of the lidocaine level tests will guide further treatment decisions, including dosage adjustments or the need for alternative therapies. Continuous monitoring is vital to ensure that the patient remains within the therapeutic range and to prevent potential toxicity associated with lidocaine.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF LIDOCAINE | Medium Descr | DRUG SCREEN QUANTITATIVE LIDOCAINE | Long Descr | Lidocaine | 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 | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 235 - Other Laboratory |
| 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. | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | 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. | 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. | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium description changed per AMA 2013 corrections document dated January 25, 2013. |
| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
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