CPT Codes
Cytopathology - 88104
The examination of fluids, washings and brushings. This code is typically utilized for bronchial brushing specimens. Brushings of the gastrointestinal tract are also included. Most other cytopathology specimens have different codes, which will be detailed below. Most fine needle aspiration biopsies are coded 88172 and 88173. Fluids requiring centrifugation fall under 88108. Cervical and Vaginal specimens ("Pap Smears") are also coded separately.Cytopathology - 88108
The examination of fluids and washings with centrifugation to concentrate the specimen. Most all body fluid specimens are concentrated by centrifugation, then placed on microscope slide to be stained for examination. Examples include urine; bronchial washings; pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, and cerebrospinal fluids.Cytopathology - 88141
Abnormal Pap Smears, cervical or vaginal, requiring examination by a pathologistCytopathology - 88142
Pap Smears, cervical or vaginal - routine screening by cytotechnologist without epithelial abnormalities identified. Note: FirstPath utilizes the liquid based Pap smear methodology (Thin Prep, by Cytec Corporation). This method is significantly more effective than conventional Pap smears for the detection of squamous epithelial lesions.Diagnosis - 88172,88173
These codes are for the diagnosis of fine needle aspiration biopsy smears. This technique can be utilized with or without radiologic guidance at multiple superficial body sites, including head and neck, thyroid, breast, soft tissue and superficial lymph nodes. Deeper body sites typically require radiologic guidance and include lung, pleura, breast, liver, pancreas, deep lymph nodes and retroperitoneum. 88172 is the code for an immediate staining and evaluation while the patient is still present, in order to determine whether the specimen is adequate and to arrive at a rapid diagnosis (comparable to a frozen section). 88173 is for the final diagnosis and report.Flow Cytometry - 88180
Fluorescent dyes bound to antibodies or probes analyze cell populations by multiple parameters. This methodology is used for the immunophenotyping of leukemias and lymphomas. Additional uses include lymphocyte analysis to determine immunocompetence, as well as the definition and classification of non-hematologic malignancies.Flow Cytometry - 88182
When determining DNA Ploidy or cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry.Level I Surgical Pathology - 88300
Click here for detailed description.Level II Surgical Pathology - 88302
Click here for detailed description.Level III Surgical Pathology - 88304
Click here for detailed description.Level IV Surgical Pathology - 88305
Click here for detailed description.Level V Surgical Pathology - 88307
Click here for detailed description.Level VI Surgical Pathology - 88309
Click here for detailed description.Decalcification procedure - 88311
Necessary for bones, and other tissues with calcificationsSpecial stains - 88312
Histochemical, for microorganisms (eg. Gram's, Acid Fast methenamine silver, etc.)Special stains, group II - 88313
All other special stains except for microorganisms, immunocytochemistry, and immunoperoxidase (eg. Iron, mucin, etc.)Special Stains - 88342
ImmunoperoxidaseConsultation - 88321
Consultation and report on referred slides prepared elsewhereConsultation - 88323
Consultation and report on referred material requiring preparation of slidesConsultation - 88325
Consultation, comprehensive, with review of records and specimens, with report on referred materialConsultation - 88329
Pathology consultation during surgery, without frozen sectionFrozen Section - 88331
First tissue block, single specimenFrozen Section - 88332
Each additional tissue blockDNA Ploidy - 88358
Determination by morphometric analysis. In this procedure DNA is marked with a Feulgen stain. The cells are then scanned into a computer where the DNA content is determined based upon the computed cellular optical density.Tumor Immunohistochemistry - 88161
Determination by morphometric analysis. A variety of substances can be identified and quantitated that can be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of neoplastic disease. Common examples are estrogen and progesterone receptors, and Her-2/neu.Genetic Probes - 88165
The latest molecular pathology technology is utilized to create genetic probes that can be linked to routine pathology stains and examined microscopically. This method can identify abnormal genetic mutations associated with neoplasms such as the BCR/ABL translocation diagnostic of chronic myelogenous leukemia. The same method can be utilized to rapidly identify the DNA of suspected infecting microorganisms, such as Human Papilloma Virus.