CPT 0032U: COMT Genotype, Mayo Clinic

CPT code 0032U represents a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) descriptor for the Catechol–O–methyltransferase (COMT) Genotype test developed by the Mayo Clinic. As a PLA code, 0032U refers to a single, specific laboratory-developed genetic assay rather than a class of tests. Nationally, such PLA codes matter because they enable unique identification of proprietary assays in claims, supporting tracking of utilization and payment for lab-developed tests.

Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context for COMT genotyping, typical service setting and service type, and what to expect from payer coverage patterns. The publication also summarizes benchmarking elements and policy considerations relevant to proprietary genetic tests, including billing implications for laboratories and ordering clinicians.

This piece provides: a concise description of the test and its clinical role; payer coverage landscape and common modifiers used in practice; and guidance on where to locate further policy updates and claims-processing resources. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 0032U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code describing the Catechol–O–methyltransferase (COMT) Genotype test developed by the Mayo Clinic. This code identifies a single, manufacturer- or laboratory-specific genetic assay for COMT genotype determination.

Service type: Proprietary laboratory genetic testing

Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or reference laboratory, ordered by outpatient clinics or specialty practices

Clinical Context

A 45-year-old patient with a history of chronic pain and variable response to opioid and non-opioid analgesics is referred for pharmacogenomic testing to inform analgesic selection and dosing. The clinician orders the Mayo Clinic Catechol–O–methyltransferase (COMT) Genotype test (0032U) to identify COMT polymorphisms associated with differences in pain sensitivity and response to certain psychotropic and analgesic medications. Blood or saliva is collected in an outpatient clinic or phlebotomy lab; the specimen is labeled and sent to the Mayo Clinic laboratory for proprietary analysis. Results are returned to the ordering provider and integrated into the electronic health record to guide medication selection, dosage adjustments, or referrals to pain management or psychiatry as appropriate. Typical sites of service include outpatient clinics, specialty pain clinics, primary care offices, and independent clinical laboratories.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`00`	Unused — placeholder	Data not used clinically for single-service billing

| 11 | Standard services | When reporting the service as performed under usual circumstances |

| | Professional component | When billing only the professional component of a test if separated from the technical component |

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207Q00000X	Clinical Pathology	Pathologists overseeing laboratory testing and result interpretation
207L00000X	Anatomic and Clinical Pathology	Laboratories conducting molecular diagnostic testing
207R00000X	Medical Genetics	Medical geneticists involved in test selection and result interpretation
208000000X	Family Medicine	Primary care clinicians ordering pharmacogenomic testing for medication management
208D00000X	Pain Medicine	Pain specialists ordering COMT genotyping to inform analgesic strategies

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`G89.2`	Chronic pain, not elsewhere classified	Common indication for COMT genotyping to evaluate pain sensitivity and guide analgesic therapy
`F41.1`	Generalized anxiety disorder	COMT variants can influence response to psychotropic medications and anxiety-related pain amplification
`F32.9`	Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified	Genetic information may inform antidepressant selection and dosing when mood disorder coexists with pain
`M54.5`	Low back pain	Frequently associated painful condition where pharmacogenomic testing can assist treatment planning
`R52`	Pain, unspecified	Broad symptom code used when pain is the primary clinical problem prompting genotype testing

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`81000`	Urinalysis, by dip stick or tablet reagent; non-automated, with microscopy	Pre-test or concurrent urine testing may be performed in pain clinics to monitor medications or rule out contributors to symptoms
`36415`	Collection of venous blood by venipuncture	Common specimen collection code for obtaining blood sample for genetic testing sent to the Mayo Clinic laboratory
`82948`	Glucose; blood, reagent strip	Routine laboratory tests often ordered during comprehensive evaluation but not directly related to COMT genotype; adjunct clinical information
`99381`	Initial comprehensive preventive medicine evaluation, new patient; 18-39 years	Example office visit code for initial evaluation where testing may be ordered (use age-appropriate code)
`99457`	Remote physiologic monitoring treatment management services	Post-result remote management or medication adjustments may be billed under care management codes when applicable

OpenPayer

Summary & Overview