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CPT 81408: Molecular Pathology Technical Component, Tier 2 Level 9
Headline: CPT code 81408 defines the technical component of a Tier 2, Level 9 molecular pathology test.
Lead: CPT code 81408 represents the laboratory technical procedure for specific molecular genetic analyses; it is used nationally to bill the technical component when a lab analyst performs the assay and analytic processing. This code matters because molecular pathology testing is central to precision diagnostics, oncology testing, and inherited disease evaluation, and correct technical-component billing supports lab workflow, reporting, and payment clarity.
Key payers: Analysis covers major national payers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, United Healthcare, and Medicare.
What readers will learn: The publication provides benchmarks and billing context for CPT code 81408, explains its clinical role within Tier 2 molecular pathology, situates the code among related molecular and genetic testing codes, and highlights common clinical indications and typical laboratory settings. It also summarizes payer coverage considerations and coding relationships to adjacent Tier 2 levels and specific gene tests. The piece is intended for revenue cycle, laboratory management, and policy audiences seeking a concise national overview of this molecular pathology technical-component code.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 81408 describes a technical laboratory procedure in which a lab analyst performs the technical testing required to complete one of the specified genetic analyses categorized as a Tier 2, Level 9 molecular pathology procedure. The service type is molecular pathology — technical component, involving laboratory processing, instrumentation, and analytic work to generate molecular genetic test results. The typical site of service is a clinical diagnostic laboratory or reference laboratory equipped for molecular genetic testing.
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.