How To Use CPT Code 88112

CPT 88112 is a code for cytopathology procedures using selective cellular enhancement techniques, excluding cervical or vaginal specimens. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 88112.

1. What is CPT 88112?

CPT 88112 is a code used for billing and documentation of cytopathology procedures that involve selective cellular enhancement techniques, such as liquid-based slide preparation methods. This code is specifically for cases that do not involve cervical or vaginal specimens. The use of selective cellular enhancement techniques can improve the accuracy and efficiency of cytopathology procedures by providing a cleaner background, faster detection rate, and easier slide review.

2. 88112 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 88112 is: “Cytopathology, selective cellular enhancement technique with interpretation (eg, liquid-based slide preparation method), except cervical or vaginal.”

3. Procedure

  1. Collect the specimen using a broom-type device or a spatula and brush.
  2. Place the collected specimen in a liquid-based medium for preservation.
  3. Send the preserved specimen to a pathology laboratory for examination.
  4. Pathologist reviews the slide and provides an interpretation of the findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 88112 services are those who require cytopathology procedures using selective cellular enhancement techniques, excluding cervical or vaginal specimens. This may include patients with suspected malignancies, infections, or other conditions that require a detailed examination of cellular material.

5. When to use CPT code 88112

It is appropriate to bill the 88112 CPT code when a cytopathology procedure using selective cellular enhancement techniques is performed, and the specimen being examined is not cervical or vaginal. This code should be used for cases where the liquid-based slide preparation method is utilized to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88112, the following information should be documented:

  • Patient’s demographic information, including name, date of birth, and insurance information.
  • Medical history and reason for the cytopathology procedure.
  • Details of the specimen collection process, including the type of device used and the preservation method.
  • Pathologist’s interpretation of the findings, including any diagnoses or recommendations for further testing or treatment.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 88112, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Some tips and codes that apply to CPT code 88112 include:

  • Do not report 88112 for cervical and vaginal specimens.
  • Do not report 88112 with 88108, as these codes are mutually exclusive.
  • Ensure that all required documentation is complete and accurate to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 88112 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2004. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 88112

Five similar codes to CPT 88112 and how they differentiate from CPT 88112 are:

  1. CPT 88104: This code is for cytopathology procedures without the use of selective cellular enhancement techniques.
  2. CPT 88108: This code is for cytopathology procedures using concentration techniques, but not selective cellular enhancement techniques.
  3. CPT 88141: This code is for cytopathology procedures involving cervical or vaginal specimens with interpretation.
  4. CPT 88175: This code is for automated thin layer preparation of cervical or vaginal specimens with manual screening and rescreening.
  5. CPT 88160: This code is for cytopathology procedures involving cervical or vaginal specimens without interpretation.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 88112 procedures:

  1. A patient with a suspected lung malignancy has a bronchial brushing specimen collected and preserved using a liquid-based medium for cytopathology examination.
  2. A patient with a thyroid nodule undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy, and the specimen is prepared using a liquid-based slide preparation method for cytopathology examination.
  3. A patient with a history of bladder cancer has a urine specimen collected and preserved using a liquid-based medium for cytopathology examination to monitor for recurrence.
  4. A patient with a suspected pancreatic mass undergoes an endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration, and the specimen is prepared using a liquid-based slide preparation method for cytopathology examination.
  5. A patient with a salivary gland mass has a fine needle aspiration biopsy, and the specimen is prepared using a liquid-based slide preparation method for cytopathology examination.
  6. A patient with a suspected liver lesion undergoes a percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy, and the specimen is prepared using a liquid-based slide preparation method for cytopathology examination.
  7. A patient with a history of kidney cancer has a urine specimen collected and preserved using a liquid-based medium for cytopathology examination to monitor for recurrence.
  8. A patient with a suspected breast mass undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy, and the specimen is prepared using a liquid-based slide preparation method for cytopathology examination.
  9. A patient with a suspected lymph node metastasis undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy, and the specimen is prepared using a liquid-based slide preparation method for cytopathology examination.
  10. A patient with a history of esophageal cancer has a brushing specimen collected during an upper endoscopy and preserved using a liquid-based medium for cytopathology examination to monitor for recurrence.

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