Summary & Overview
CPT 0294U: MindX Blood Test – Longevity, NGS RNA Gene Expression
CPT code 0294U designates a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) test — the MindX Blood Test™ – Longevity — that uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) of RNA from a blood specimen to measure expression of 18 genes and produce an algorithmic predictive risk score for mortality/longevity. As a PLA code, 0294U is specific to a single manufacturer's test and signals growing payer and clinical interest in genomics-driven prognostic assays. Nationally, proprietary molecular diagnostics like this raise questions about coverage policies, clinical utility evidence, and appropriate use in preventive or risk-stratification settings.
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 purpose and methodology, payer coverage considerations and common modifiers used in billing, and context on how PLA codes function within the CPT framework. The publication summarizes where stakeholders typically look for evidence on clinical validity and utility for prognostic genomic assays, and outlines what to expect in payer adjudication and claims processing when a PLA code is reported. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0294U is a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for the MindX Blood Test™ – Longevity, performed by MindX Sciences™ Laboratory from MindX Sciences™ Inc. The assay uses a blood specimen and employs next-generation sequencing (NGS) of RNA to evaluate expression of 18 genes. An algorithmic analysis of the gene-expression results produces a predictive risk score for mortality/longevity.
Service Type: Proprietary laboratory test using NGS-based RNA gene expression and algorithmic risk scoring
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory or reference laboratory processing using blood specimens
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult seeking personalized health risk assessment for life expectancy or longevity optimization, often initiated during a preventive medicine visit or a specialized longevity clinic consultation. The clinician (primary care physician, preventive medicine specialist, or geriatrician) orders the MindX Blood Test™ – Longevity (0294U) to obtain an RNA-based gene expression profile from a peripheral blood specimen. A phlebotomy appointment is scheduled at an ambulatory clinic, outpatient infusion center, or an independent laboratory draw site. The collected blood specimen is sent to MindX Sciences™ Laboratory for next-generation sequencing (NGS) of RNA for 18 target genes. The laboratory performs algorithmic analysis and returns a predictive mortality/longevity risk score and interpretive report to the ordering provider. The provider reviews the result with the patient during a follow-up visit or via telehealth to discuss implications for preventive care, risk stratification, and possible lifestyle or care-plan adjustments. Typical site of service: outpatient clinic, ambulatory care center, or independent clinical laboratory collection site. Service type: proprietary molecular diagnostic laboratory test using NGS-based gene expression analysis of blood.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Default — not otherwise specified | Use when no other modifier applies and a single service is reported. |
22 | Increased procedural services | Use if significantly greater effort or complexity in specimen handling or reporting is documented.
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation component separate from the technical laboratory component.
52 | Reduced services | Use if the test was partially performed or incomplete and reduced from standard service.
53 | Discontinued procedure | Use if specimen collection or testing was started but then discontinued for documented clinical reasons.
62 | Two surgeons (shared billing) | Rare for laboratory testing; use only if two practitioners equally shared responsibility for interpretation and both are billing.
78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room | Not typically applicable; not commonly used for this lab test.
80 | Assistant surgeon | Not typically applicable to laboratory services; reserved for surgical assist situations.
QX | Ordering/servicing physician billing modifier (modifier QX) | Use when separate billing arrangements require indicating that a non-physician practitioner furnished the service under the ordering provider's supervision (per payer rules).
QY | Laboratory test furnished and reported by a CLIA-certified independent laboratory | Use to indicate the test was performed and reported by an independent CLIA-certified lab distinct from the ordering entity.
TC | Technical component | Use when billing only the technical component (lab processing, sequencing) separate from professional interpretation.
SH | Provider performed more than one clinical diagnostic test on specimen (Medicare lab modifier) | Use when multiple diagnostic tests from the same specimen require separate reporting per payer rules.
SJ | Separate laboratory billing for test components (payer-specific) | Use when billing arrangements require designation of separate lab components.
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
207Q00000X | Preventive Medicine Physician | Ordering clinician for longevity risk assessment and preventive care planning. |
207L00000X | Geriatric Medicine Physician | Common ordering specialty for older adults focused on mortality risk and care planning.
207R00000X | Internal Medicine Physician | Primary care provider ordering test during chronic disease or wellness visits.
363L00000X | Clinical Laboratory Director | Oversees laboratory performing NGS testing and reporting results.
261QM0800X | Genetic Counselor | Provides patient counseling on genomic-based risk scores and interpretation.
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
Z13.6 | Encounter for screening for cardiovascular disorders | Longevity risk assessment may be ordered during preventive screening for cardiovascular risk factors. |
Z00.00 | Encounter for general adult medical examination without abnormal findings | Common scenario for patients pursuing preventive longevity testing during wellness visits.
Z00.01 | Encounter for general adult medical examination with abnormal findings | Use if examination reveals findings prompting further risk stratification with this test.
R54 | Age-related physical debility (senescence) | Relevant for geriatric assessments where mortality/longevity risk profiling informs care planning.
Z13.89 | Encounter for screening for other disorders | Used when ordering longevity or mortality risk profiling as part of broader screening.
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
0294U | MindX Blood Test™ – Longevity; NGS RNA gene expression of 18 genes with algorithmic mortality/longevity risk score (Proprietary Laboratory Analyses) | Primary proprietary PLA code describing the laboratory test, reporting assay, and algorithmic result. |
36415 | Collection of venous blood by venipuncture | Typical specimen collection procedure performed at the clinic or draw site before sending the sample to the laboratory.
99000 | Handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer from physician office to a laboratory | May be used by some payers or facilities to account for specimen transportation logistics when billed separately.
G0480 | Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection; initial or subsequent administration (used variably by payers) | Not routinely required for this test; listed as an example of adjacent services occasionally performed during the same visit.
80307 | Drug or metabolite testing; qualitative (e.g., non-PLA molecular tests) | Represents other laboratory assays that might be ordered alongside molecular diagnostic tests in a broader panel of evaluation.