Summary & Overview
CPT 81173: Androgen Receptor (AR) Gene Full-Gene Sequencing
CPT code 81173 represents full-gene sequencing of the androgen receptor (AR) gene performed by a laboratory analyst. As a specialized molecular diagnostic test, it provides comprehensive analysis of the AR gene sequence for clinical interpretation, research, and precision medicine applications. Nationally, such sequencing supports diagnosis of hereditary or acquired conditions linked to AR gene variants and informs clinical decision-making in endocrinology, oncology, and genetic counseling.
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 role, typical sites of service, and payer coverage context. The publication summarizes common billing modifiers associated with molecular lab services, outlines where this service is typically performed, and highlights benchmarks and policy considerations relevant to carriers and laboratory providers.
This summary provides clinical context for coding and billing teams, laboratory operations, and payer policy analysts. It clarifies what CPT code 81173 covers, why full-gene AR sequencing is used in practice, and what audiences can expect from deeper sections on reimbursement benchmarks, coding guidance, and payer-specific coverage patterns. Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 81173 describes a laboratory procedure in which a lab analyst performs the technical process to analyze the entire gene sequence of the androgen receptor (AR) gene. This is a molecular genetics sequencing service focused on generating and processing the complete AR gene sequence data.
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Service type: Clinical molecular diagnostic sequencing (full-gene sequencing of the androgen receptor)
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Typical site of service: Clinical molecular diagnostic laboratory or reference laboratory equipped to perform high-complexity genetic sequencing
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A male patient with a history of childhood hypospadias repair and progressive androgen insensitivity symptoms presents with gynecomastia, undervirilization, and infertility. The treating clinician orders molecular testing to evaluate the androgen receptor (AR) gene for suspected variants explaining the phenotype. A blood sample is collected at an outpatient genetics clinic or specialty urology/endocrinology clinic. The specimen is sent to a molecular diagnostics laboratory where the lab analyst performs full gene sequencing of the AR gene to detect single-nucleotide variants, small insertions/deletions, and other sequence-level changes. Results are reviewed by the laboratory director and reported to the ordering provider, who integrates findings with clinical phenotype for diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling. Typical sites of service include outpatient genetics or specialty clinics and reference molecular pathology laboratories that perform high-complexity testing.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the professional interpretation component if technical component billed separately by the lab (TC). |
TC |