Summary & Overview
CPT 0289U: MindX Blood Test – Memory/Alzheimer’s, RNA NGS Gene Expression
CPT code 0289U designates a proprietary laboratory test — the MindX Blood Test™ – Memory/Alzheimer’s from MindX Sciences™ Inc. — that uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) of RNA to evaluate expression of 24 genes and an algorithmic analysis to produce a predictive risk score for Alzheimer’s disease and other memory conditions. As a PLA code, 0289U is limited to a single manufacturer's lab test and signals a specific clinical diagnostic service in the growing field of molecular neurology diagnostics.
Key national payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Coverage and payment policies for PLA codes like 0289U are important because they affect patient access to proprietary diagnostic tools, influence laboratory adoption, and shape utilization of advanced genomic assays in neurology and memory care pathways.
Readers will find benchmarks and context on how 0289U fits into laboratory service lines, an overview of likely sites of service and clinical use, and a summary of payer coverage considerations and common billing practices. The publication also outlines implications for coding workflows and documentation when reporting a PLA diagnostic assay nationally.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0289U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code that applies specifically to the MindX Blood Test™ – Memory/Alzheimer’s, performed by MindX Sciences™ Laboratory (MindX Sciences™ Inc.). The test uses a blood specimen and employs next-generation sequencing (NGS) of RNA to measure gene expression of 24 genes, followed by an algorithmic analysis that reports a predictive risk score for Alzheimer’s disease and other memory conditions.
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Service type: Laboratory, molecular diagnostic testing using RNA sequencing and algorithmic risk scoring
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Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or other outpatient laboratory setting
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an older adult or middle-aged individual presenting to a memory clinic or primary care practice with subjective memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or concern for early Alzheimer disease. The clinician documents symptoms such as progressive forgetfulness, difficulty with instrumental activities of daily living, or objective cognitive decline on screening tools (for example, MoCA or MMSE). After history, physical exam, cognitive testing, and review of medication/metabolic contributors, the clinician orders the MindX Blood Test™ – Memory/Alzheimer’s (0289U) to provide an adjunctive molecular risk assessment. A phlebotomy draw is performed in an outpatient laboratory or clinic setting; whole blood is sent to the proprietary laboratory (MindX Sciences™ Laboratory) for RNA extraction, next-generation sequencing (NGS) of a 24-gene expression panel, and algorithmic analysis. The laboratory returns a predictive risk score for Alzheimer’s or other memory conditions to the ordering provider. Results are incorporated into the clinical evaluation, discussed with the patient during follow-up, and used alongside neuroimaging, neuropsychological testing, and other biomarker data when available.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the professional component of a laboratory interpretation if separated by the performing entity. |