Summary & Overview
CPT 81246: FLT3 TKD Variant Detection, Molecular Diagnostic Test
CPT code 81246 denotes a molecular diagnostic laboratory test for detection of tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) variants in the FLT3 gene. These FLT3-TKD alterations are clinically significant in certain hematologic malignancies and can influence prognosis and selection of targeted therapies. As a specialized molecular pathology service performed in clinical laboratories, CPT code 81246 underpins precision oncology workflows and downstream treatment decisions nationwide.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines payer coverage patterns and typical site-of-service contexts relevant to this laboratory assay.
Readers will find concise benchmarks and operational context for CPT code 81246, a summary of clinical utility, and guidance on the service setting and coding description. The document frames the code's role in molecular diagnostics and oncology care, highlights payer relevance, and supplies practical metadata for billing and administrative teams. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 81246 describes a laboratory technical test to detect variants in the FLT3 gene over the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD). The service identifies specific genetic changes in the fms related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene that affect the TKD region, which can inform diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy decisions in hematologic malignancies.
Service type: Molecular diagnostic laboratory test
Typical site of service: Clinical molecular diagnostics laboratory
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 56-year-old patient with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoes molecular testing to identify actionable mutations. The oncology team orders a targeted laboratory assay to detect FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) variants to inform prognosis and potential targeted therapy selection. Peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate is collected in an appropriate preservative and sent to a molecular diagnostics laboratory. The laboratory analyst performs the technical assay specified by 81246, generates a technical report describing detected TKD variants (if any), and transmits results to the ordering hematologist/oncologist. Turnaround time is typically 3–10 days depending on laboratory workflow and reflex testing. Result interpretation and treatment decisions (for example, targeted inhibitor selection or enrollment in clinical trials) are performed by the ordering clinician using the laboratory report and clinical context.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional interpretation/consultative component separate from the laboratory's technical component, when applicable in combined billing arrangements. |
TC |