How To Use CPT Code 0088U

CPT 0088U describes a specific laboratory test used in transplantation medicine to evaluate the risk of kidney allograft rejection. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0088U?

CPT 0088U is a proprietary laboratory analysis code that applies to a unique test called the Molecular Microscope® MMDx-Kidney. This test evaluates 1494 genes in transplanted kidney biopsy tissue and compares the results to a reference library to determine the probability of transplant organ failure.

2. Official Description

The Molecular Microscope® MMDx-Kidney test analyzes 1494 genes in transplanted kidney biopsy tissue using a microarray method. The test results are compared to a reference library to determine the likelihood of organ rejection. The test provides an algorithm-reported probability score for rejection.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the test using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from a transplanted kidney.
2. A microarray, or gene “chip,” is used to profile the gene expression in the tissue sample.
3. The lab analyst inputs the test results and specific patient data into a computer program.
4. The computer program analyzes the data using a specific algorithm to determine the probability of organ rejection.
5. The test result is reported as a probability score for rejection.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0088U is used when evaluating the risk of kidney allograft rejection in transplant patients. The test is performed on biopsy tissue from a transplanted kidney. It is ordered by clinicians to determine the cause of transplant organ failure, such as infection, recurrent underlying disease, drug toxicity, T-cell mediated rejection, or antibody-mediated rejection.

5. When to use CPT code 0088U

CPT code 0088U should be used when the Molecular Microscope® MMDx-Kidney test is performed to assess the risk of kidney allograft rejection. It should not be reported with any other CPT code. This test is specific to the proprietary laboratory analysis offered by Kashi Clinical Laboratories.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0088U, the documentation should include:

• Patient information and relevant clinical data
• Details of the test performed, including the use of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue
• Test results and the algorithm-reported probability score for rejection
• Signature of the lab analyst or responsible healthcare professional

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0088U, ensure that the test is performed by Kashi Clinical Laboratories using the Molecular Microscope® MMDx-Kidney. Report one unit of this code for a single specimen analyzed on a single date of service. Do not report this test with any other CPT code.

8. Historical information

CPT 0088U is a proprietary laboratory analysis code that was added to the CPT code set to identify the Molecular Microscope® MMDx-Kidney test. It is specific to Kashi Clinical Laboratories and has no historical changes or updates since its inclusion.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders the Molecular Microscope® MMDx-Kidney test to assess the risk of kidney allograft rejection in a transplant patient.
2. The lab analyst performs the test on biopsy tissue from the transplanted kidney and reports a probability score for rejection.
3. The test results help the clinician determine the cause of transplant organ failure and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
4. Based on the test results, the clinician adjusts the immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection in a transplant patient.
5. The Molecular Microscope® MMDx-Kidney test is used to differentiate between T-cell mediated rejection and antibody-mediated rejection in a transplant patient.
6. A transplant patient undergoes the Molecular Microscope® MMDx-Kidney test to monitor the risk of organ rejection over time.
7. The test results indicate a low probability of rejection, providing reassurance to the transplant patient and their healthcare team.
8. A clinician orders the Molecular Microscope® MMDx-Kidney test to determine the cause of transplant organ failure in a patient experiencing complications.
9. The test results reveal a high probability of antibody-mediated rejection, leading to targeted treatment interventions.
10. Based on the test results, the clinician decides to modify the immunosuppressive therapy regimen to prevent further organ rejection in a transplant patient.