Summary & Overview
CPT 0291U: MindX Blood Test™ – Mood, NGS RNA Gene-Expression Risk Score
CPT code 0291U designates a proprietary laboratory assay — the MindX Blood Test™ – Mood — that uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) of RNA to measure expression of 144 genes and reports an algorithm-derived predictive risk score for mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder. As a PLA code, 0291U applies only to this specific manufacturer’s test, signaling a single-source molecular diagnostic intended for clinical risk stratification. Nationally, PLA codes like 0291U are important because they identify unique commercial tests that may prompt payer policy development, clinical-validation review, and coding guidance for laboratory services.
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 test’s clinical purpose and service setting, common modifier usage, and what to expect in payer engagement for a proprietary molecular diagnostic. The publication outlines benchmark considerations for coverage and reimbursement pathways, summarizes typical sites of service for billing and claims submission, and highlights policy and coding implications that often accompany PLA-designated assays. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0291U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the MindX Blood Test™ – Mood, performed by MindX Sciences™ Laboratory (MindX Sciences™ Inc.). The test uses a blood specimen and employs next-generation sequencing (NGS) of RNA to evaluate gene expression activity across 144 genes. An algorithmic analysis of those gene-expression results generates a predictive risk score for mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
-
Service type: Proprietary laboratory molecular diagnostic test using NGS-based RNA gene-expression profiling with algorithmic risk-score reporting
-
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory setting using a blood specimen for laboratory-based molecular diagnostic testing
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 32-year-old adult presents to an outpatient psychiatric clinic with several months of mood instability, depressive episodes, and unclear response to prior antidepressant trials. The clinician documents a diagnostic and pharmacogenomic evaluation plan and orders the MindX Blood Test™ – Mood (0291U) to assess gene expression patterns associated with risk for mood disorders. A standard venous blood draw is performed in the clinic or an associated phlebotomy collection site; the specimen is sent overnight to the MindX Sciences™ Laboratory. Results, including a predictive risk score for mood disorders derived from next-generation RNA sequencing of 144 genes, are returned to the ordering clinician. The clinician integrates the report with clinical history, mental status exam, prior medication response, and ongoing risk assessment to guide diagnostic clarification and management planning. Typical sites of service include outpatient psychiatry clinics, behavioral health centers, primary care offices with integrated behavioral health, and contracted phlebotomy or laboratory collection centers. The service type is a Proprietary Laboratory Analysis (PLA) molecular diagnostic blood test using next-generation sequencing of RNA and algorithmic interpretation.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Default/No modifier | Use when no specific modifier applies to the billed service. |