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.

AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldCigna HealthUnitedHealthcareMedicare0279UCPTProprietary Laboratory AnalysisVWF Collagen III BindingELISAHemostasisLaboratory MedicineReference LaboratoryVersiti

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.

Service type: Laboratory diagnostic assay (proprietary PLA test)
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.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`207RH0000X`	Hematology	Hematologists commonly order and interpret VWF functional assays.
`2080P0207X`	Pathology—Clinical	Clinical pathologists or coagulation labs may oversee assay performance and reporting.
`207RN0400X`	Hematology/Oncology	Specialists managing bleeding disorders and perioperative hemostasis.
`363A00000X`	Clinical Laboratory	Laboratory directors and medical technologists responsible for test performance and quality control.
`174400000X`	Ambulatory Care Laboratory	Facilities coordinating specimen collection and shipment to the reference lab.

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`D68.0`	von Willebrand disease	Primary indication for VWF functional testing, including collagen III binding.
`R58`	Hemorrhage, not elsewhere classified	Evaluation of unexplained bleeding episodes where VWF function is assessed.
`D69.5`	Secondary thrombocytopenia	Differentiation of platelet-related bleeding from VWF-mediated dysfunction.
`R02`	Gangrene (not typically related)	Data not available in the input.
`Z41.1`	Encounter for immunization	Data not available in the input.

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`80053`	Comprehensive metabolic panel, 14 tests	Preoperative or baseline metabolic testing commonly ordered concurrently with specialty hemostasis testing.
`85210`	Platelet function assay (e.g., platelet aggregation)	Performed when platelet function defects are considered alongside VWF functional testing.
`85300`	Prothrombin time (PT)	Basic coagulation screening test often ordered in the initial bleeding workup.
`85576`	von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag)	Quantitative VWF antigen test commonly ordered with functional assays like VWF collagen binding.
`85730`	Thrombin time (TT)	Additional coagulation tests used in a comprehensive bleeding disorder evaluation.

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