Summary & Overview
CPT 0179U: cfDNA Molecular Profiling for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
CPT code 0179U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the Resolution ctDx Lung™ test, a cfDNA-based molecular profiling assay for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As a PLA code, 0179U applies to a single, manufacturer-specific test and identifies an advanced genomic assay used to detect single nucleotide variants, insertions/deletions, fusions, and copy number variations that can inform targeted therapy selection. Nationally, PLA codes like 0179U matter because they signal the growing role of commercial, proprietary diagnostics in oncology care and in payer coverage discussions.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical purpose of the assay, the typical service setting, and which major payers are considered in coverage benchmarking. The publication summarizes relevant reimbursement and coverage context for proprietary molecular diagnostics, highlights common billing and claim considerations for 0179U, and situates the test within current clinical practice for NSCLC molecular profiling. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0179U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code reported for the Resolution ctDx Lung™ test from Resolution Bioscience Inc. The test evaluates cell–free DNA (cfDNA) for single nucleotide variations, insertions and deletions, fusions, and copy number variations that may indicate possible appropriate therapies for non–small cell lung cancer.
Service type: Laboratory — Proprietary molecular diagnostic test
Typical site of service: Reference laboratory or specialized molecular diagnostics laboratory (specimen collected at outpatient or hospital sites and sent to the performing laboratory)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 67-year-old patient with a history of smoking and newly diagnosed non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoes molecular profiling to guide systemic therapy. The oncology team orders the Resolution ctDx Lung™ next‑generation sequencing liquid biopsy to analyze circulating cell‑free DNA for single nucleotide variants, insertions/deletions, gene fusions, and copy number variations that inform targeted therapy and clinical trial eligibility. Peripheral blood is drawn in an outpatient oncology clinic or an ambulatory phlebotomy site and shipped to the performing laboratory. The laboratory performs cfDNA extraction, targeted sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and issues a report that lists clinically actionable alterations, variant allele fractions, and interpretation regarding possible targeted therapies.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation component separately from the technical testing, if applicable under payer rules. |
52 | Reduced services | Use when the test is partially performed or limited in scope relative to the full service. |