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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesProprietary Laboratory AnalysesCPT cpt-0090u-mypath-melanoma-gene-expression-profiling
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    CPT 0090U: myPath Melanoma RT–PCR mRNA Gene Expression Profiling

    CPT code 0090U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the myPath® Melanoma test from Castle Biosciences Inc., a molecular diagnostic assay that uses RT–PCR mRNA gene expression profiling to analyze a biopsy specimen of a lesion suspicious for malignant melanoma by evaluating 23 genes and reporting results as benign, intermediate, or malignant; this service is a specialized molecular pathology/diagnostic laboratory test typically furnished by a clinical reference laboratory and billed as a lab-based molecular diagnostic service.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Prenatal (Fetal) Diagnostic Testing, Oral Cancer Screening and Testing, RTM Testing for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 52-year-old patient presents to a dermatology clinic with a pigmented skin lesion that appeared irregular in shape and color change over several months. The dermatologist performs a diagnostic shave or excisional biopsy of the lesion under local anesthesia and submits the formalin-fixed tissue to an anatomic pathology laboratory. Histopathology returns an indeterminate result where conventional microscopy cannot definitively rule in or out malignant melanoma. The clinician orders the myPath® Melanoma test (Proprietary Laboratory Analyses code 0090U) to analyze mRNA expression of 23 genes using RT–PCR on the biopsy specimen. The laboratory performs RNA extraction, gene expression profiling, and reports a result categorized as benign, intermediate, or malignant. The report informs the treating clinician’s decision on need for wider excision, sentinel lymph node evaluation, or close surveillance. Typical sites of service include outpatient dermatology clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and reference molecular pathology laboratories. Common patient factors include history of atypical/dysplastic nevi, prior melanoma, lesion on sun-exposed skin, or clinically suspicious changes prompting biopsy.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    0090UmyPath® Melanoma; RT–PCR mRNA gene expression profiling (23 genes) reported as benign, intermediate, or malignantPrimary PLA code for the molecular test performed on a biopsy specimen to aid melanoma diagnosis
    88305Level IV surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examinationCommonly reported for initial histopathologic evaluation of excised skin lesions before molecular testing
    88342Immunohistochemistry, per specimen; first single stainFrequently used adjunct to histology to evaluate melanocytic markers prior to or alongside molecular testing
    84999Unlisted chemistry procedureOccasionally used historically for novel or unique molecular assays prior to availability of PLA codes (now superseded by 0090U)
    88313Special staining (e.g., melanocytic stains)Used when additional histochemical stains are performed to characterize melanocytic lesions

    Related Modifiers

    7 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207N00000X
    207P00000X
    207L00000X
    207RC0000X
    363A00000X
    363LG0600X
    3336S0011X
    374700000X

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Genetic & Molecular Testing1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Prenatal (Fetal) Diagnostic TestingBlue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island2027-01-01
    Oral Cancer Screening and TestingOscar Health2027-01-01
    RTM Testing for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin DeficiencyOscar Health2027-01-01
    Cytochrome P450 Genotype-Guided Treatment Strategy Corporate Medical Policybcbsvermont2027-01-01
    Polygenic Risk ScoreBlue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island2026-12-01
    Gene Expression Profiling for Cutaneous MelanomaBlue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island2026-12-01
    Genetic Testing for Diagnosis and Management of Mental Health ConditionsBlue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island2026-11-01
    Molecular Testing in the Management of Pulmonary NodulesBlue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island2026-11-01
    Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer (for North Carolina Only)Colorado Rocky Mountain Health Plans2026-10-01
    Expanded Molecular Testing of Cancers to Select Targeted TherapiesBlue Cross Blue Shield - North Dakota2026-10-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-0001U-PRECISETYPE-HEA-MULTIPLEX-RBC-ANTIGEN-GENOTYPING

    CPT 0001U: PreciseType HEA Erythrocyte Antigen Genotyping

    CPT-0002U-POLYPDX-URINE-METABOLOMIC-ASSAY-ADENOMATOUS-POLYP-RISK

    CPT 0002U: PolypDX™ Urine Metabolomic Risk Assay

    CPT-0003U-OVAR-A-NEXT-GENERATION-OVARIAN-CANCER-RISK-ASSAY

    CPT 0003U: Overa (MIA2G) Ovarian Cancer Risk Assay

    CPT-0005U-PROSTATE-EXOSOMEDX-INTELLISCORE-GENE-EXPRESSION-URINE-TEST

    CPT 0005U: ExosomeDx Prostate (IntelliScore) urine gene expression test

    CPT-0007U-TOXPROTECT-URINE-DRUG-SCREEN-WITH-DNA-AUTHENTICATION

    CPT 0007U: ToxProtect Urine Drug Screen With DNA Authentication

    CPT-0008U-H-PYLORI-ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANCE-SEQUENCING-PANEL

    CPT 0008U: H. pylori Antibiotic Resistance Gene Panel

    CPT-0009U-DEPARRAY-HER2-FISH-TUMOR-CELL-ISOLATION

    CPT 0009U: DEPArray HER2 Tumor‑Cell Isolation with FISH Analysis

    CPT-0010U-BACTERIAL-TYPING-WHOLE-GENOME-SEQUENCING-MAYO-CLINIC

    CPT 0010U: Bacterial Typing by Whole Genome Sequencing, Mayo Clinic

    CPT-0011U-CORDANT-CORE-ALGORITHMIC-ORAL-FLUID-DRUG-TEST

    CPT 0011U: Oral Fluid Drug Test with Algorithmic Steady‑State Comparison

    CPT-0016U-BCR-ABL1-MAJOR-MINOR-FUSION-TRANSCRIPT-TESTING

    CPT 0016U: BCR–ABL1 Major and Minor Breakpoint Fusion Transcripts

    Showing 1–10 of 536

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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