Molecular Announces AMA Approval of CPT Code for High-Risk HPV detection in Male Patients

VANCOUVER, WASH. (PRWEB) MAY 30, 2019

Molecular Testing Labs (Molecular), an innovative CLIA and CAP-accredited laboratory specializing in high-complexity testing, announces that the American Medical Association (AMA) has issued a new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code for detection of high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in urine samples from male patients. The code is identified as 0096U. This code enables physicians to collect samples and accurately communicate information to government payers and insurance companies that facilitate reimbursement. This code is now available within the company’s LIS system.

The new PLA Code is an addition to the CPT® code set approved by the AMA CPT® Editorial Panel. The Molecular team identified the need for a CPT code for HPV testing specific to male urine. To be granted a CPT PLA code, Molecular underwent a rigorous research, review and validation process by the Proprietary Laboratory Analyses Technical Advisory Group (PLA-TAG).

The PLA-TAG is a group of critical members from the medical community that evaluate the value of procedures to physicians and patients. The PLA-TAG is composed of select representatives of the CPT Editorial Panel, the Pathology Coding Caucus, the Molecular Pathology Advisory Group and payer organization(s). The remaining ad hoc members are composed of representatives from commercial labs, proprietary labs, academic labs, registries, payers and private practice. The PLA-TAG is an advisory body to the CPT Editorial Panel. For additional information, please refer to the AMA website: https://www.ama-assn.org/about/cpt-editorial-panel.

About HPV

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly all sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lifetime. Most men who get HPV do not develop symptoms and the infection usually goes away on its own. However, if HPV does not go away, it can cause genital warts or certain kinds of cancer. High-risk strains of HPV can cause persistent infection and may develop into cancer.

Most of the information about the HPV virus focuses on women since having the virus increases the risk of developing cervical cancer. However, it is just as important for men to understand how to reduce their chances of HPV infection and seek testing.

About Molecular Testing Labs

Molecular Testing Labs is a CLIA and CAP accredited, state-of-the-art, esoteric and reference laboratory. Molecular provides an extensive portfolio of high-complexity testing, including infectious disease, toxicology, targeted sequencing, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and high-resolution immune profiling. Molecular Testing Labs also offers a variety of clinical trial services comprising of assay development, trial site training, investigator support, and customized reporting. Molecular maintains a comprehensive Compliance and Ethics Program, which has become an integral part of the company’s culture. All employees, contractors and agents of the company must take annual compliance training and are held to the highest standards of conduct and integrity.