CPT 81408: Tier 2 Molecular Pathology Technical Laboratory Analysis
Commercial payers pay $1887 on average nationally for this procedure.
CPT code 81408 describes a Tier 2, Level 9 molecular pathology service in which a laboratory analyst performs the technical component of a specific genetic test (processing, assay performance, and raw data generation); the service type is technical laboratory molecular pathology, and the typical site of service is a clinical molecular laboratory or similar certified diagnostic laboratory performing genetic analyses.
For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Oral Cancer Screening and Testing, RTM Testing for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, Cytochrome P450 Genotype-Guided Treatment Strategy Corporate Medical Policy.
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National Reimbursement Benchmarks
National commercial reimbursement for CPT 81408 centers around BUCA’s average commercial rate of $1,886.60, with major commercial payers showing notable spread around that midpoint. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s mean of $2,169.50 and Cigna’s mean of $2,117.60 sit above BUCA, while UnitedHealth Group’s mean of $1,591.80 and Aetna’s mean of $1,101.90 fall below. Absolute highs are seen with Blue Cross Blue Shield (max $6,837) and Cigna (max $6,042), while Aetna includes a $0 min and UnitedHealth Group’s min is $840, signaling asymmetric floors across contracts.
Dispersion measured as the interquartile range (P75–P25) highlights where rates are tightest and widest: Aetna’s IQR is $720.00 (P75 $1,591.60 minus P25 $720.00), UnitedHealth Group’s IQR is $1,160.00, BUCA’s IQR is $1,173.90, Cigna’s IQR is $1,871.80, and Blue Cross Blue Shield’s IQR is $1,046.60. Cigna exhibits the widest IQR ($1,871.80), indicating the greatest middle-50% variability, while Aetna is the tightest at $720.00.