I'm kidding. Almost.
Noridian publishes an article telling stakeholders that MolDx has updated its article on STR coding and billing.
But the update is merely to swap (TM) for (R) in their use as superscripts after Z-Code.
Summary of Article Changes: Under Article Title revised to read Billing and Coding: MolDX: Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Markers and Chimerism (CPT® codes 81265-81268).
Under CMS National Coverage Policy revised 3rd section heading. Under Article Text revised 7th and 10th bullets to remove "DEX Z-Code™" and replaced with "DEX Z-Code®".
What's the Difference
Let's ask Chat GPT.
The symbols TM (™) and R (®) represent different statuses of a trademark's registration and protection under trademark law. Here’s a breakdown:
TM (™): This symbol is used to signify common law rights in a trademark, indicating that a word, phrase, logo, or other symbol is being claimed as a trademark by the company or individual using it. It does not necessarily mean the trademark is registered with a trademark office, but it's a way of informing others that the company considers it as its trademark for certain goods or services. You can use the TM symbol without any government approval.
R (®): This symbol indicates that the trademark has been officially registered with the national trademark office (e.g., the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the U.S.). It signifies legal recognition and protection of the trademark under the trademark laws in the country where it is registered. Use of the ® symbol is restricted to trademarks that have been formally registered, and using it with a trademark that is not registered is unlawful in many jurisdictions.
And what's STR? Let's ask Chat GPT.
Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) are sequences of DNA where a particular pattern of nucleotides (the basic building blocks of DNA) is repeated multiple times in a row. In the context of molecular clinical laboratory testing, STR analysis is a powerful tool used for various purposes, including genetic profiling, paternity testing, and forensic analysis. In clinical settings, STR analysis can be particularly useful in the diagnosis and management of certain diseases and conditions.
Typical Illnesses and Uses in Clinical Settings:
Cancer Diagnosis and Research: STR analysis can help in identifying genetic variations in tumors, which might be important for diagnosis, understanding the progression of cancer, or tailoring treatments to specific genetic profiles of tumors.
Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic disorders are caused by the expansion of STR sequences beyond a normal range. For example, Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, is caused by an expanded repeat of the CAG sequence in a specific gene. Similar mechanisms are involved in other disorders, such as myotonic dystrophy and fragile X syndrome.
Bone Marrow Transplant Matching: STR markers are used in matching bone marrow donors and recipients to ensure compatibility, reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease.
Identification of Genetic Relationships: In a clinical setting, determining genetic relationships can be important for organ transplants or understanding inherited disease risks.
What is Done:
The process involves extracting DNA from cells (from blood, saliva, or other tissue samples), amplifying (making many copies of) specific STR regions using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), and then analyzing the size of the amplified STR sequences using various techniques. The number of repeats in each STR location can be compared to reference values to identify abnormalities or to create a genetic profile.
What It Means:
The analysis of STRs can provide detailed information about genetic makeup and potential disease risks. In the case of genetic disorders linked to STR expansions, the number of repeats can often correlate with the severity or onset age of the disorder. For example, a greater number of CAG repeats in the HTT gene is associated with earlier onset and more severe symptoms of Huntington's disease.
In summary, STR analysis in a clinical laboratory setting is a versatile tool used for diagnosing genetic disorders, matching donors and recipients in transplantation, cancer research, and understanding genetic relationships. The outcomes of these tests can influence treatment decisions, inform patients about their health risks, and guide genetic counseling.
##
Codiing.
There are several coding options, 81265/66 for donors and twins, and 81267 for transplantation
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.