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Official Description

Oxcarbazepine

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 80183 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of oxcarbazepine in the blood. Oxcarbazepine, marketed under the brand name Trileptal, is classified as an anticonvulsant medication, primarily utilized in the management of seizure disorders. In addition to its primary use, oxcarbazepine may also be prescribed off-label for various conditions, including anxiety, mood disorders, and benign motor tics. The testing process involves obtaining a blood sample through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. Once the blood sample is collected, serum or plasma is subjected to analysis for the oxcarbazepine metabolite using a sophisticated technique known as quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This method allows for precise measurement of the drug levels in the bloodstream, which is essential for monitoring therapeutic effectiveness and ensuring patient safety.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The oxcarbazepine blood test (CPT® Code 80183) is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Seizure Disorders - The primary indication for measuring oxcarbazepine levels is to manage and monitor treatment in patients with seizure disorders, ensuring that therapeutic levels are maintained.
  • Anxiety - Although not its primary use, oxcarbazepine may be prescribed off-label for anxiety management, necessitating monitoring of drug levels to assess efficacy and safety.
  • Mood Disorders - The medication can also be utilized off-label for mood stabilization in patients with mood disorders, requiring level checks to optimize treatment.
  • Benign Motor Tics - Oxcarbazepine may be indicated for the treatment of benign motor tics, and monitoring its levels can help in evaluating the response to therapy.

2. Procedure

The procedure for testing oxcarbazepine levels involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - Prior to the blood draw, the patient may be instructed to avoid certain medications or food that could interfere with the test results. It is essential to ensure that the patient is adequately informed about the procedure and any necessary preparations.
  • Step 2: Venipuncture - A qualified healthcare professional performs venipuncture to obtain a blood sample. This involves inserting a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, to draw the required volume of blood. The procedure is performed using sterile techniques to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 3: Sample Collection - The collected blood is placed in appropriate containers, usually serum or plasma tubes, which are then labeled for identification. Proper labeling is crucial for ensuring accurate testing and results.
  • Step 4: Laboratory Analysis - The blood sample is sent to a laboratory where it undergoes analysis using quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This advanced testing method allows for the precise quantification of oxcarbazepine metabolites in the serum or plasma.
  • Step 5: Result Interpretation - Once the analysis is complete, the laboratory provides the results, which are interpreted by the healthcare provider. These results help in assessing the patient's response to oxcarbazepine therapy and making any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

3. Post-Procedure

After the blood sample has been collected and sent for analysis, there are a few considerations for post-procedure care. Patients may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves on its own. It is advisable for patients to keep the site clean and dry and to apply pressure if any bleeding occurs. The healthcare provider will discuss the results of the test with the patient once they are available, which may take several days. Based on the results, the provider may adjust the dosage of oxcarbazepine or consider alternative treatment options if necessary. Continuous monitoring of drug levels may be recommended to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes and minimize potential side effects.

Short Descr DRUG SCRN QUANT OXCARBAZEPIN
Medium Descr DRUG SCREEN QUANTITATIVE OXCARBAZEPINE
Long Descr Oxcarbazepine
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
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.
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.
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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2014-01-01 Added Added
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