Summary & Overview
CPT 0279U: Versiti VWF Collagen III Binding ELISA, Plasma
CPT code 0279U identifies a proprietary laboratory assay — the Versiti™ VWF Collagen III Binding test — that measures von Willebrand Factor binding to collagen III using an ELISA on plasma specimens. As a PLA code, 0279U is specific to a single manufacturer and laboratory; it signals unique clinical utility for evaluating platelet adhesion at collagen III binding sites in bleeding and hemostasis assessments. Nationally, PLA codes like 0279U matter because they designate tests that may have distinct coverage, billing, and clinical-use considerations compared with non-proprietary assays.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the code's clinical purpose and testing method, typical site-of-service information, and the payer landscape covered. The publication outlines benchmark topics typically addressed for PLA assays, including coverage patterns, billing and coding considerations, and clinical context for ordering the test. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0279U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the Versiti™ VWF Collagen III Binding test performed by Versiti™ Diagnostic Laboratories. The code applies only to this single, proprietary laboratory assay. Report 0279U when using a plasma specimen to perform the von Willebrand Factor (VWF) collagen III binding assay by enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate platelet adhesion related to collagen III binding sites.
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Service type: Laboratory diagnostic assay (proprietary PLA test)
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Typical site of service: Reference or specialty diagnostic laboratory (Versiti™ Diagnostic Laboratories)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old woman with a history of mucocutaneous bleeding and a previous normal von Willebrand factor antigen but abnormal bleeding assessment is referred for specialized hemostasis testing. The clinician orders the Versiti™ VWF Collagen III Binding assay (0279U) to evaluate von Willebrand factor function at collagen III binding sites. Blood is collected into a plasma specimen at the outpatient laboratory or hospital phlebotomy center and sent to Versiti™ Diagnostic Laboratories. The typical workflow includes: phlebotomy with proper anticoagulant and handling, plasma separation and freezing if required, shipment under validated conditions to the reference lab, performance of the ELISA-based VWF collagen III binding assay, and reporting of quantitative binding results back to the ordering hematologist. Indications include unexplained bleeding, suspected qualitative VWF defects, discrepant laboratory VWF results, or evaluation prior to surgery in patients with bleeding history. Typical sites of service are outpatient specialty clinics, hospital laboratories that do not perform the assay on site, and reference laboratory settings. Patient counseling and downstream management decisions are performed by the ordering hematology or coagulation specialist based on assay results and clinical correlation.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the professional/interpretive component of a laboratory service if applicable and separately billable by a provider entity. |