CPT Code 80307: Drug testing, presumptive, by using the instrument-chemistry analyzer

What is CPT code 80307?

The American Medical Association CPT code 80307 reports presumptive drug testing performed using instrumented chemistry analyzers, such as immunoassay with an analyzer like an autoanalyzer or clinical chemistry system. This code reflects a qualitative analysis of a patient specimen (commonly urine) to detect the presence or absence of illicit drugs, prescription medications, or other substances across one or more drug classes.

Presumptive testing offers preliminary results and is commonly used in pain management, substance use monitoring, and primary care. It helps determine whether further definitive testing (e.g., mass spectrometry) is needed to confirm and quantify specific drugs.

Documentation requirements

When billing CPT 80307, clear documentation must justify medical necessity and support the use of instrumented presumptive testing.

Patient and clinical context

To support billing CPT 80307, the provider must document the medical necessity for ordering a presumptive drug test. This typically includes the patient’s clinical presentation, history of substance use, prescribed medications, or behavioral concerns that justify screening. For example, documentation may show that the patient is undergoing pain management or is being monitored for compliance in a substance use disorder treatment program.

Specimen details

The clinical record must identify the type of specimen collected—most commonly urine—along with the date and time of collection. It should also specify the number of drug classes tested, which may be relevant for payer audits or follow-up testing decisions.

Test method

The provider must confirm that the presumptive drug testing was performed using an instrumented chemistry analyzer. This distinguishes it from non-instrumented methods (reported under CPT 80305) or visually interpreted devices (CPT 80306). The documentation should clarify that the test was qualitative and that definitive techniques such as mass spectrometry were not used.

Results and interpretation

Finally, the medical record should include the results of the drug test, such as whether the findings were negative or presumptively positive for specific drug classes. The provider may also document clinical interpretation of the results and any follow-up steps, including whether definitive drug testing is warranted for confirmation.

Billing guidelines

Proper billing of CPT code 80307 requires a clear understanding of how presumptive drug testing is classified and reimbursed.

Exclusions and incorrect usage

CPT 80307 should not be reported when the testing is performed using manual or visual read methods, which fall under CPT codes 80305 or 80306, depending on the technology used. It is also not appropriate to use 80307 for definitive drug testing, which involves more sophisticated techniques like mass spectrometry and is billed separately using codes from the 80320–80377 range or HCPCS codes G0480–G0483 for Medicare beneficiaries.

Payer considerations

Different payers may have specific policies around the frequency and coverage of presumptive drug testing. Documentation of medical necessity must be updated for each testing event, particularly when repeat testing is involved. Some insurers may also require prior authorization or impose limits on the number of allowable tests per time period.

Modifiers and multiple services

In cases where multiple laboratory services are billed on the same day, a modifier, such as modifier 59, may be required to distinguish 80307 from other unrelated services. It is essential to review payer-specific guidelines to ensure compliant billing and to avoid claim denials.

Other relevant CPT codes

• 80305: Presumptive drug test using dipstick, cup, or non-instrumented device (CLIA waived)
• 80306: Presumptive test using instrument-assisted direct optical observation