Summary & Overview

CPT 81382: HLA High-Resolution Molecular Typing, One Class II Locus

CPT code 81382 represents the technical laboratory component for high-resolution molecular typing of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes for one Class II locus. High-resolution HLA typing is critical for transplant compatibility assessment, donor selection, and certain immunogenetic evaluations; standardized coding supports billing, quality measurement, and national reporting of complex molecular diagnostics.

Key payers included in the analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find clinical context about the service type and typical site of service, as well as an overview of payer coverage patterns and commonly used modifiers where available. The publication outlines benchmarking and reimbursement context, evolving policy considerations for molecular diagnostics, and operational implications for laboratories performing high-resolution HLA testing.

This summary provides a concise reference for clinicians, laboratory managers, and billing professionals seeking clear information about CPT code 81382, its clinical relevance, and the payer landscape at a national level. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable in the full publication.

AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldCigna HealthUnitedHealthcareMedicare81382CPTHLA typingmolecular diagnosticslaboratoryhigh-resolutiontransplantimmunogenetics

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 81382 describes a technical laboratory procedure that performs a high-resolution molecular assessment of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes for one Class II locus. The procedure uses molecular techniques to generate detailed HLA typing information at the allele level for a single Class II locus.

Service type: Laboratory — high-resolution molecular HLA typing (technical component)

Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or specialized molecular diagnostics laboratory

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 35-year-old patient awaiting a kidney transplant is evaluated in the transplant clinic. The transplant team orders high-resolution HLA typing of a single Class II locus (for example, HLA-DRB1) to determine allele-level compatibility with a prospective living donor. A phlebotomy nurse obtains a peripheral blood sample which is sent to the molecular diagnostics laboratory. A molecular technologist performs DNA extraction, PCR amplification and NGS or SSO/SSP-based sequencing targeted to the Class II locus. The lab analyst completes allele calling, quality control, and generates a report that is reviewed by the laboratory director and forwarded to the transplant team to inform donor-recipient matching and post-transplant immunologic risk assessment.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component	When reporting only the lab director's interpretive/consultative portion separate from technical testing (rare for 81382).
`TC`	Technical component	When billing only the laboratory technical processing and not the professional interpretation.
`90`	Reference (outside) lab	When the test was performed by an outside laboratory and you are billing as a reference lab service.
`91`	Repeat clinical diagnostic test	For repeat testing on the same specimen to confirm results when indicated.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	If another unrelated service is performed the same day that is separate from HLA Class II typing.
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician/lab	For a repeat HLA Class II test performed by the same laboratory for reasons such as initial test failure.
`77`	Repeat procedure by another physician/lab	For repeat testing performed by a different laboratory (note: `77` is not in provided list; excluded).
`52`	Reduced services	When the test is partially performed or limited in scope.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	If the specimen was collected but testing discontinued for documented medical reasons.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	See above — used when services are distinct and separately reportable.
`91`	Repeat clinical diagnostic test	See above — used for repeat testing on same day or specimen.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207Q00000X	Clinical Molecular Genetics Laboratory	Laboratory performing molecular HLA testing and allele-level interpretation.
207L00000X	Clinical Laboratory	General clinical laboratory providing technical processing and reporting.
2080P0003X	Pathology & Clinical Pathology	Pathologist or laboratory director responsible for result validation and consultative interpretation.
2085R0206X	Transplant Immunology	Specialists ordering and using HLA high-resolution results for donor-recipient matching.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`Z94.0`	Kidney transplant status	Used when performing HLA typing for kidney transplant donor/recipient matching or post-transplant evaluation.
`Z94.83`	Liver transplant status	Relevant when HLA typing informs liver transplant immunologic assessment or donor selection.
`Z48.21`	Encounter for removal of vascular access device	May be part of transplant-related care pathways where HLA typing is ordered pre- or post-procedure.
`Z48.2`	Encounter for aftercare following surgery	Applicable when HLA typing is done as part of post-operative transplant follow-up and immunogenetics monitoring.
`Z31.84`	Encounter for assisted reproductive fertility testing (HLA testing for partner selection)	Occasionally used where HLA typing is ordered for reproductive or family planning purposes (selective use).

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`81381`	HLA typing, high-resolution, one Class I locus	Performed when Class I allele-level typing is required in addition to Class II for comprehensive matching.
`81383`	HLA typing, high-resolution, one additional Class II locus	Used when more than one Class II locus (e.g., DRB1 plus DQB1) is performed; reported in addition to `81382` if applicable.
`81479`	Unlisted molecular pathology procedure	Used for reporting a molecular HLA assay not otherwise specified by a listed CPT code.
`86762`	Antibody identification, HLA (panel reactive antibody)	Performed alongside HLA typing to assess recipient sensitization and immunologic risk.
`86765`	HLA crossmatch, complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)	Functional crossmatch studies that often accompany molecular HLA typing in pretransplant evaluation.