CPT code 81162 identifies the technical laboratory service for full gene sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2, two genes central to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk. Nationally, this code matters because it underpins diagnostic workflows that guide genetic counseling, risk stratification, and preventive care decisions for individuals with suspected hereditary cancer syndromes. Payers commonly engaged in coverage and payment for this service include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.

This publication provides a concise overview of what CPT code 81162 represents, how it is used in clinical molecular diagnostics, and the typical laboratory setting where the technical component occurs. Readers will find benchmarks and policy-relevant context related to payer coverage patterns, coding and billing considerations for the technical component, and clinical context about when full BRCA1/BRCA2 sequencing and structural variant testing are clinically relevant. The content also highlights common modifiers that appear alongside technical laboratory codes and notes where input data is not available. The goal is to give coding managers, laboratory billing staff, and policy analysts a clear, national-level summary of CPT code 81162 and the operational considerations that influence its use.