Summary & Overview
CPT 81360: ZRSR2 Gene Variant Testing
CPT code 81360 denotes a molecular diagnostic laboratory test that detects common variants in the ZRSR2 gene (examples: E65fs, E122fs, R448fs). This test is clinically relevant for evaluating certain hematologic disorders, including subtypes of leukemia, because identified variants can influence diagnostic classification and prognosis. Nationally, molecular oncology testing like this has growing clinical importance as targeted therapies and precision diagnostics expand.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise technical and clinical context for the test, a summary of typical sites of service and service type, and an overview of what benchmarking and policy-focused sections will cover: reimbursement benchmarks, coverage policy themes among major payers, coding and billing considerations, and implications for clinical workflow and laboratory reporting. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable (for example, detailed payer-specific coverage rules, associated taxonomies, ICD-10 pairings, and related codes).
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 81360 describes a laboratory molecular diagnostic test performed on a specimen (for example, blood) to detect common changes in the ZRSR2 gene, such as E65fs, E122fs, and R448fs. The test identifies variants that may inform diagnosis and prognosis for hematologic disorders, including various leukemias.
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Service type: Molecular genetic testing / targeted sequencing
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Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory performing molecular diagnostics
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient with progressive cytopenias and abnormal peripheral blood smear is evaluated for a suspected myeloid neoplasm. The hematologist orders targeted molecular testing for the ZRSR2 gene to detect frameshift variants (for example E65fs, E122fs, R448fs) that can inform diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic decisions in myelodysplastic syndromes and certain leukemias. A clinic or hospital phlebotomy team collects a peripheral blood sample (or bone marrow aspirate when indicated) and sends the specimen to a clinical molecular diagnostics laboratory. The laboratory analyst performs 81360 using validated molecular methods (next-generation sequencing, targeted panel, or fragment analysis) to detect common sequence alterations in ZRSR2. The lab issues a report noting detected variants, their allele frequencies, and interpreted clinical significance. Results are routed to the ordering hematologist/oncologist for incorporation into the diagnostic impression and care plan. Typical sites of service include outpatient hospital laboratories, independent clinical molecular laboratories, and hospital inpatient laboratories. Typical personnel involved include the ordering hematologist/oncologist, phlebotomist, laboratory technician/analyst, molecular pathologist, and reporting clinician.
Coding Specifications
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