2025 Cracking New Laboratory CPT® Coding Part II: Exclusive Expert Tips in Honor of Lab Week

Lab Week has arrived! April 20–26 is Laboratory Medical Professionals Week (MLPW)—a time to honor the commitment of these professionals and recognize the critical role they play in the health of every patient across the nation. In part two of our special series for MLPW, we continue our exploration of the 2025 CPT® coding updates. This second installment focuses on key revisions and deletions in genomic sequencing procedures (GSP). These changes, aimed at improving coding efficiency, include updates to hereditary cancer-related sequencing panels and the deletion of specific duplication/deletion analysis codes. Additionally, we highlight a notable MAAA PLA code deletion and introduce new chemistry codes relevant to neurodegenerative disease testing. Understanding these updates is essential for accurate coding and streamlined reimbursement throughout 2025.

GSP Codes Revisions for Coding Efficiency

The following genomic sequencing procedures (GSP) were revised for 2025:

These codes were revised to include duplication/deletion analysis and also revalued to crosswalk to PLA code 0129U as a result of the deletions to CPT codes 81433, 81436 and 81438 that follow.

Noteworthy GSP Deletions

The following genomic sequencing procedures (GSP) were deleted for 2025:

This deletion of CPT codes 81433, 81436 and 81438 aligns with the revised descriptions and increased rates for 81432, 81435 and 81437 mentioned above.

The following MAAA PLA code was deleted for 2025:

For infectious disease, real-time PCR amplification of DNA markers for algorithm reported as high likelihood of bacterial vaginosis, refer to new MAAA Category I code 81515.

For additional details on the PLA code set, including the latest codes related to microbiology, refer to

Appendix O of the CPT Manual. For the latest PLA updates, go to https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt/cpt-pla-codes.

2025 Chemistry Additions Arrive

2025 welcomed five new codes for the chemistry section:

Expanding the scope of neurodegenerative disease testing, the newly added Beta-amyloid and Tau codes (82233, 82234, 84393, and 84394) shed light to be inclusive of advancements in Alzheimer’s diagnostics. Although categorized under the Chemistry section of the CPT® manual, these tests utilize chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay methodology to help identify biomarkers associated with cognitive impairment. As research continues to evolve, these additions support more precise detection and monitoring of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Similarly, CPT code 83884 enhances the ability to track disease progression in multiple sclerosis while also aiding in the assessment of neuronal damage and other neurodegenerative conditions. With the growing importance of early intervention and personalized treatment, this update underscores the role of advanced laboratory testing in neurological care.

CELEBRATE LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS WEEK WITH AN EXCLUSIVE OFFER AND EXPERT INSIDER TIPS!

Every year, billions of medical tests are performed in the United States, informing patient care and contributing to the health outcomes of hundreds of millions of Americans. Our healthcare system cannot survive without the dedicated, highly trained, behind-the-scenes professionals who comprise the laboratory worker community. April 20–26 is Laboratory Medical Professionals Week; a time reserved to honor the commitment of these professionals and recognize the critical role they play in the health of every patient across the nation. Education is paramount for success.

When stressing the value of education for career success and coding accuracy, billing, coding, and compliance subject matter expert Robin Miller Zweifel, BS, MT(ASCP) expressed that, “The CPT® and ICD-10-CM guidelines for laboratory and pathology are not components of the standard education and training program for certified coders. Documentation, coding, or billing are not integrated into the professional programs for technologists or pathologists. Yet, at some point in their career, a laboratorian or physician (pathologist) is going to be asked to confirm that the work performed is sufficiently documented to support a billed charge. If that person has not been previously exposed to CPT or ICD-10 guidelines, even the most intelligent scientist is going to be challenged to correctly answer the question.”

To show our gratitude, MedLearn Publishing has an exclusive offer:

April 20–25: Get 20% off all lab products with the code LABWEEK25. No matter the size of your team, the budget of your facility, or whatever your educational gaps may be, we have an educational resource that will fit your needs. Shop during Laboratory Professionals Week for this exclusive offer!