Summary & Overview
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 & Coding Specifications
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 |