How To Use CPT Code 0188U

CPT 0188U describes the gene analysis for red cell antigen (Gerbich blood group) genotyping. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0188U?

CPT 0188U can be used to describe the gene analysis for red cell antigen (Gerbich blood group) genotyping. This code is used to determine the presence or absence of specific GE red blood cell antigens, which can help minimize adverse blood-type incompatibility reactions in blood transfusions, organ transplants, or in pregnancy and newborns.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0188U is: ‘Red cell antigen (Gerbich blood group) genotyping (GE), gene analysis, GYPC (glycophorin C [Gerbich blood group]) exons 1-4.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs gene analysis using a patient specimen such as blood or saliva to analyze exons 1 to 4 of GYPC (glycophorin C).
2. DNA amplification is performed using a method such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
3. A Luminex® platform is used to identify genetic markers for specific red blood cell antigens in the Gerbich blood group.
4. The analysis determines the individual’s Gerbich blood group by determining the presence or absence of specific GE red blood cell antigens.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0188U is used when clinicians need to determine the presence or absence of specific GE red blood cell antigens in a patient’s blood or tissue sample. This information is important for improving transfusion or transplant compatibility, minimizing adverse blood reactions in newborns, or understanding the role of Gerbich blood group antigens in regulating mechanical stability of red blood cells and acting as receptors for certain malarial parasites.

5. When to use CPT code 0188U

CPT code 0188U should be used when there is a clinical need to analyze the presence or absence of specific GE red blood cell antigens in a patient’s sample. It is typically ordered for blood or tissue donors and recipients to improve transfusion or transplant compatibility, or for maternal blood samples to minimize adverse blood reactions in newborns or maternal antibody formation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0188U, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s specimen type (blood or saliva)
• Date of the analysis
• Specific exons (1-4) of GYPC analyzed
• Results indicating the presence or absence of specific GE red blood cell antigens
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the gene analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0188U, ensure that the gene analysis is performed for the specific purpose of red cell antigen (Gerbich blood group) genotyping. Report one unit of this code for a single specimen analyzed on a single date of service. Some payers may also separately reimburse for specimen collection using a code such as 36415. Be sure to use the correct code for the specific proprietary test provided by Grifols Immunohematology Center.

8. Historical information

CPT 0188U, a Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) code, was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on July 1, 2020. It is a unique code for the Navigator GE Sequencing test from Grifols Immunohematology Center.

9. Examples

1. A patient’s blood sample is analyzed using CPT 0188U to determine the presence or absence of specific GE red blood cell antigens for improved transfusion compatibility.
2. A maternal blood sample is tested using CPT 0188U to minimize adverse blood reactions in the newborn due to blood-type incompatibility.
3. A tissue donor’s sample is analyzed using CPT 0188U to ensure compatibility for an organ transplant.
4. A patient’s blood sample is tested using CPT 0188U to understand the role of Gerbich blood group antigens in regulating mechanical stability of red blood cells.
5. A blood sample from a patient with suspected malaria is analyzed using CPT 0188U to determine the presence or absence of specific GE red blood cell antigens that may be involved in parasite binding.
6. A patient’s blood sample is tested using CPT 0188U to investigate weak antibody reactivity or antigen expression in the Gerbich blood group.
7. A maternal blood sample is analyzed using CPT 0188U to identify potential antibodies that may cause adverse reactions in the newborn.
8. A blood sample from a tissue recipient is tested using CPT 0188U to ensure compatibility for an organ transplant.
9. A patient’s blood sample is analyzed using CPT 0188U to investigate the presence or absence of specific GE red blood cell antigens associated with autoimmune responses.
10. A blood sample from a patient with a history of adverse blood reactions is tested using CPT 0188U to identify the presence or absence of specific GE red blood cell antigens responsible for the reactions.