Summary & Overview
CPT 81279: JAK2 Gene Sequencing for Exons 12 and 13
CPT code 81279 represents a targeted molecular diagnostic assay that sequences specific regions of the JAK2 gene (for example, exons 12 and 13) to identify mutations linked to myeloproliferative neoplasms in patients who test negative for the JAK2 V617F variant. This code matters nationally because results can inform hematology diagnoses and influence downstream clinical management, genetic counseling, and care coordination for patients with suspected MPNs. Key national payers included in the analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
Readers will learn the clinical context for the test, typical laboratory and site-of-service settings, and the types of payer coverage considerations that commonly affect molecular oncology diagnostics. The publication includes benchmark descriptions, payer coverage patterns, common modifier usage, and practical billing considerations relevant to clinical laboratories and hospital-based molecular diagnostics. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable. The content is designed for laboratory managers, billing staff, clinical leaders, and policy analysts seeking a concise, national-level overview of CPT code 81279 and its role in MPN diagnostic workflows.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 81279 describes a molecular diagnostic laboratory procedure that analyzes specific gene sequences of the JAK2 (Janus kinase 2) gene, such as exons 12 and 13, on a patient specimen (for example, blood). The test is used to detect mutations associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) in patients who are negative for the common JAK2 V617F variant.
Service type: Clinical molecular diagnostic testing
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory performing specialized molecular testing
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient with persistent erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis is referred to hematology after routine labs show elevated hemoglobin and platelet count. Prior testing for the common JAK2 V617F mutation was negative. The hematologist orders targeted sequencing of the JAK2 gene (for example exons 12 and 13) to evaluate for exon-specific activating mutations associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), such as polycythemia vera or JAK2 V617F–negative essential thrombocythemia.
Specimen collection: A peripheral blood draw is performed in an outpatient phlebotomy setting. The sample is sent to the molecular diagnostics laboratory with test requisition indicating clinical suspicion for MPN and prior JAK2 V617F negative result.
Laboratory workflow: The molecular lab performs DNA extraction, amplification, and targeted sequencing or mutation analysis of JAK2 exons (e.g., 12 and 13). The technical component includes specimen processing, assay performance, and result generation. If applicable, a pathologist or molecular geneticist reviews and interprets the sequence data and issues a signed report back to the ordering hematologist.
Typical site of service: Outpatient clinic or hospital outpatient laboratory; testing is performed in a certified molecular diagnostics laboratory (reference or hospital-based).
Coding Specifications
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