CPT 2026 · Pathology/Lab

CPT 81546

Global XXX

Onc thyr mrna 10,196 gen alg

Effective 2026-04-01 Conv. factor $33.4009

No national RVU

Payment Methodology

Status Indicator

NCCI Partners

XXX

Global Period

No national RVU

This code does not have a national work RVU on the current Physician Fee Schedule. Pricing may be carrier-determined, non-covered, or tracked via a separate methodology.

CPT 81546 Billing & Documentation Guide

CPT code 81546 (Onc thyr mrna 10,196 gen alg) is classified under Pathology/Lab with a global period indicator of XXX. This code uses the No national RVU payment methodology rather than standard RVU-based Physician Fee Schedule pricing. Refer to the methodology notice above for billing implications.

When billing 81546, ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the specific components required for the code's level of service. For E/M codes, document MDM (medical decision-making) elements: problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk. For procedural codes, document the indication, technique, and any complications. Always verify NCCI edits before bundling 81546 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).

Payment Status & Global Period

CMS Status Indicator

Statutory exclusion

Global Period

XXX

No global period (E/M and other non-procedural services)

MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)

Max units per beneficiary per date of service

Rationale: Nature of Service/Procedure

Adjudication: Date of Service (Clinical)

Source: CMS NCCI MUE Practitioner Services, effective 2026-04-01.

Submitting more than 2 units of 81546 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.

NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 81546

Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 81546 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.

Partner Code	Relationship	Modifier Allowed	Rationale
0009U	Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier	Yes	Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code
0016U	Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier	Yes	Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code
0017U	Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier	Yes	Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code
0018U	Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier	No	Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code
0026U	Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier	No	Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code
0027U	Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier	Yes	Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code
0029U	Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier	Yes	Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code
0030U	Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier	Yes	Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code
0034U	Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier	Yes	Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code
0040U	Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier	Yes	Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code

Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 81546

What does CPT code 81546 mean? +

CPT code 81546 represents: Onc thyr mrna 10,196 gen alg. It's in the Pathology/Lab category with a global period of XXX.

What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 81546? +

This code does not have a national work RVU on the current Physician Fee Schedule. Pricing may be carrier-determined, non-covered, or tracked via a separate methodology.

What modifiers can I use with CPT 81546? +

Pathology and laboratory use modifier 90 (reference/outside lab), 91 (repeat clinical diagnostic test same day), 92 (alternative laboratory platform), and QW (CLIA waived test). Surgical pathology splits between 26 and TC where applicable.

What bundling edits apply to CPT 81546? +

This code has 10 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.