What is the 81479 CPT code all about?
CPT code 814779 is one of the many molecular pathology procedure codes you can use. Each specific molecular pathology CPT code under each group is tied to a specific molecular pathology procedure. Starting January 1, 2013, CPT updates aimed to make coding for molecular pathology services more detailed by focusing on specific analytes and genes. These changes also helped reduce or eliminate the need for “code stacking” when billing. Now, CPT and HCPCS codes cover all the analytical steps involved in the test. As a result, the codes are organized into the following subgroups (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2025):
- Genomic sequencing procedures
- Multianalyte assays with algorithmic analyses (MAAAs)
- Proprietary laboratory analyses (PLA codes)
- Tier 1 – Analyte-specific codes where each test or procedure has its own CPT code
- Tier 2 – For molecular pathology services that are low volume or related to rare diseases
Providers should use the procedure code that best matches the service they're performing. If there's no Tier 1 code for the test or the Tier 2 codes don’t quite fit, they should go with the unlisted molecular pathology code, 81479.
Please note that CPT codes under the groups for molecular pathology procedures change every now and then. The official CMS billing and coding article revised and published recently updated back in January 1, 2025, has several changes, so check if your procedure has an assigned CPT code because it's possible that codes have been added. It's just good practice to check for any HCPCS CPT code updates from any resources or references that have a CPT HCPCS codes section.
If your specific procedure isn't on any of the groups, you may use this unlisted molecular pathology CPT code.
