December 8, 2006
The American Medical Association has issued a unique Category I Current Procedural Terminology code for the measurement of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), a cardiovascular-specific inflammatory enzyme found in unstable, rupture-prone plaque.
Plaque rupture is the leading cause of heart attack and stroke and the PLAC test, from diaDexus Inc, South San Francisco, is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved blood test for the measurement of Lp-PLA2.
The new analyte-specific code, 83698, has been issued under the Pathology and Laboratory (chemistry) section of the coding schedule. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has published its 2007 Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule recommending a payment of $47.43 for Lp-PLA2 testing effective January 1, 2007.
