CPT® Code 80362

The CPT® Code 80362 refers to a laboratory test specifically designed to measure the presence of opioids and opiate analogs in biological samples such as meconium stool, urine, serum, or plasma. Opioids and opiate analogs encompass a range of substances, including naturally occurring opiates like codeine, morphine, and thebaine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids such as hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, buprenorphine, meperidine, methadone, propoxyphene, tapentadol, and tramadol. These substances share a similar chemical structure and pharmacological effects, primarily acting as narcotic analgesics and central nervous system depressants. Clinically, they are prescribed to manage moderate to severe acute or chronic pain. However, due to their effects on the brain's pleasure centers, they can also lead to euphoria, which may result in their misuse by recreational drug users. The testing process involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, a urine sample via random void or catheterization, and collecting meconium stool from a diaper. The analysis of serum, plasma, urine, and stool is conducted using quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Code 80362 is specifically utilized when testing for 1 or 2 opioids or opiate analogs, while codes 80363 and 80364 are designated for testing 3 or 4, and 5 or more opioids/opiate analogs, respectively.