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.
Topiramate is a medication classified as an anticonvulsant, commonly prescribed for the management of various neurological conditions, including seizures, migraine headaches, and essential tremor. The CPT® Code 80201 refers to a specific blood test that measures the concentration levels of topiramate in the bloodstream. This measurement is crucial for ensuring that patients maintain therapeutic levels of the drug, which is essential for effective treatment. The drug works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain, thereby helping to control seizures and alleviate migraine symptoms. Regular monitoring of blood levels is necessary, particularly during instances of breakthrough seizures, which may indicate that the current dosage is insufficient. The blood sample for this test is obtained through a venipuncture, a procedure that is reported separately. The analysis of the blood serum is conducted using a technique known as fluorescence polarization immunoassay, which allows for accurate quantification of the drug levels in the patient's system.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The blood test for topiramate levels is indicated for patients who are prescribed this medication for the management of specific conditions. The following are the primary indications for performing this test:
The procedure for measuring topiramate levels involves several key steps that ensure accurate results. First, a healthcare professional will perform a venipuncture, which is the process of puncturing a vein to obtain a blood sample. This step is critical as it provides the necessary specimen for testing. Once the blood sample is collected, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis. In the lab, the blood serum is subjected to a fluorescence polarization immunoassay. This specific testing method is designed to quantify the concentration of topiramate in the serum. The results from this assay will indicate whether the topiramate levels are within the therapeutic range, which is essential for effective treatment. Regular monitoring is recommended, especially in cases where patients experience breakthrough seizures, as this may suggest that the current dosage is inadequate.
After the blood sample has been collected and sent for testing, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient. However, it is important for healthcare providers to communicate the results of the test to the patient promptly. If the topiramate levels are found to be low, adjustments to the medication dosage may be necessary to ensure that the patient remains within the therapeutic range. Patients should also be advised to report any new or worsening symptoms, such as increased seizure activity or migraine frequency, to their healthcare provider, as these may indicate the need for further evaluation or changes in their treatment plan.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF TOPIRAMATE | Medium Descr | DRUG SCREEN QUANTITATIVE TOPIRAMATE | Long Descr | Topiramate | 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. | 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 | 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. |
| 1998-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1998. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.