CPT® Code 80358

The CPT® Code 80358 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the levels of methadone in various biological samples, including meconium stool, urine, serum, or plasma. Methadone is classified as a synthetic opioid, known for its long duration of action and potent analgesic properties. This medication is primarily utilized within medically supervised drug addiction detoxification and maintenance programs, providing a crucial role in the treatment of opioid dependence. Additionally, methadone is prescribed for managing severe chronic pain, offering an alternative for patients who may not respond to other pain management therapies. One of the significant advantages of methadone is its ability to alleviate withdrawal symptoms in individuals with opioid addiction, achieving this without inducing the euphoric effects typically associated with opioid misuse. The collection of samples for this test involves specific procedures: a blood sample is obtained through venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure; urine samples can be collected via random voiding or catheterization; and meconium stool is gathered from a diaper. The analysis of these samples is performed using quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, a sophisticated technique that allows for precise measurement of methadone levels in the tested specimens.