Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers
HCPCS G0482: Definitive Mass-Spectrometry Drug Test, 15–21 Drug Classes
Headline: HCPCS Level II code G0482 Defines High-Specificity Mass-Spectrometry Drug Testing
HCPCS Level II code G0482 represents definitive drug testing performed using high-specificity analytical methods such as GC/MS or LC/MS with stable isotope/internal standards and method-specific calibration. The code covers qualitative or quantitative testing across 15–21 drug classes, includes specimen validity testing, and is reported on a per-day basis. This test type is central to forensic, clinical toxicology, pain management monitoring, and substance use disorder programs because of its ability to distinguish structural isomers and provide definitive identification where immunoassays are insufficient.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical and laboratory context for G0482, typical sites of service, and which elements of testing (stable isotope standards, calibration, matrix-matched QC, and specimen validity testing) are required to meet the code definition. The publication also summarizes common modifiers and administrative details provided in the source, and points to where national policy and reimbursement considerations typically intersect with high-complexity toxicology services. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable. The content is intended to support billing, coding, and policy teams in understanding the scope and clinical intent of G0482 at a national level.
Customize your policy alerts
Sign up for hcpcs G0482 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing G0482 are released or updated.
Monitor payer policy activity
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code G0482 describes a definitive drug testing procedure that uses advanced analytical methods capable of identifying individual drugs and distinguishing structural isomers. The definition explicitly includes technologies such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) (single or tandem) and excludes immunoassays and simple enzymatic methods. The service requires stable isotope or other universally recognized internal standards in all samples and method- or drug-specific calibration with matrix-matched quality control material. The code covers qualitative or quantitative testing, from all specimen sources, and includes specimen validity testing. The descriptor specifies testing for 15–21 drug classes, including metabolites if performed, and is billed per day.
Service type: Laboratory — definitive drug identification using mass spectrometry techniques
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory