Summary & Overview
CPT 0187U: Duffy Blood Group Sequencing (Navigator FY)
CPT code 0187U designates a proprietary laboratory sequencing test — the Navigator FY Sequencing assay from Grifols Immunohematology Center — that identifies Duffy blood group antigen genotypes from a blood specimen. This molecular diagnostic aids clinicians in minimizing adverse blood‑type incompatibility reactions relevant to blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and maternal–newborn care. As a PLA code, 0187U maps to a single manufacturer‑specific test and is used when reporting this unique assay.
Key payers addressed in typical coverage analyses include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of clinical utility and test context, an overview of payer coverage considerations, and benchmarking of how proprietary molecular assays are treated in reimbursement policy nationally. The publication also summarizes common billing modifiers and practical coding notes for reporting the technical and professional components, and it highlights where input was not provided (for example, specific ICD‑10 diagnoses and associated taxonomies). This resource is intended to inform billing, clinical, and policy stakeholders about the role of CPT code 0187U in genetic immunohematology testing and the payer landscape relevant to national practice.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0187U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the Navigator FY Sequencing test from Grifols Immunohematology Center. The test analyzes specific gene sequences related to the Duffy blood group antigens, which can inform transfusion, transplantation, and perinatal compatibility decisions.
Service type: Genetic sequencing / molecular diagnostic assay performed on a blood specimen.
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or specialized immunohematology reference laboratory performing molecular diagnostic testing.
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and service line.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 32-year-old pregnant woman with a history of multiple transfusions in prior surgeries is scheduled for prenatal care and blood typing to reduce the risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn and transfusion reactions. Her obstetrician orders the Navigator FY Sequencing test from Grifols Immunohematology Center to determine Duffy blood group antigen genotypes from a blood specimen. The clinical workflow: the clinician collects a peripheral blood sample, labels and ships it per the laboratory’s specimen requirements. The reference lab performs targeted sequencing of the Duffy (FY) gene regions specified by the proprietary test, interprets genotype to predict Duffy antigen expression, and returns a report indicating antigen status. The results are reviewed by the obstetrician and transfusion medicine or blood bank consult when needed to guide selection of compatible red blood cell units for transfusion, manage antenatal antibody surveillance, and plan peripartum care for the newborn regarding potential hemolytic risk.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier (default) | Use when no special circumstances or component distinctions apply. |
11 | Office or other outpatient service component |