How To Use CPT Code 0537T

CPT 0537T describes the harvesting of blood-derived T lymphocytes for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0537T?

CPT 0537T can be used to describe the process of harvesting blood-derived T lymphocytes for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells. This code is used when a technician withdraws blood from the patient and extracts the T lymphocytes, which will be genetically modified in a laboratory.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0537T is: ‘Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy; harvesting of blood-derived T lymphocytes for development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells, per day.’

3. Procedure

1. The technician sterilizes the skin of the patient’s arm and inserts a needle into a vein, typically the antecubital vein at the elbow.
2. If the antecubital vein cannot be accessed, the technician may sterilize the skin over the subclavian, femoral, or internal jugular vein.
3. Tubing is attached from the leukapheresis machine to the needles.
4. Blood flows from one arm into the leukapheresis machine, which separates out the T lymphocytes using centrifugation.
5. The remaining blood is returned to the patient through the other arm.
6. Once the desired volume of T lymphocytes is collected, the technician discontinues the procedure, removes the needles, and applies a pressure dressing over the puncture sites.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 0537T are those who require the harvesting of blood-derived T lymphocytes for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells. This procedure is typically performed as part of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. The technician must use specialized equipment and follow proper sterilization techniques during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 0537T

CPT code 0537T should be used when a technician performs the harvesting of blood-derived T lymphocytes for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells. This code should be reported for each day the procedure is performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0537T, the technician must document the following information:

• Details of the patient’s condition and the need for harvesting T lymphocytes for CAR-T therapy
• Specific equipment and techniques used during the procedure
• Date(s) of the procedure
• Start and end time of each procedure
• Volume of T lymphocytes harvested
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during the procedure
• Signature of the technician performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0537T, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified technician and that the proper equipment and techniques are used. This code should be reported for each day the procedure is performed. It is important to follow any additional guidelines or requirements set by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 0537T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2019. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A technician performing the harvesting of blood-derived T lymphocytes for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells as part of CAR-T therapy for a patient with leukemia.
2. A technician collecting T lymphocytes from a patient’s blood for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells as part of CAR-T therapy for a patient with lymphoma.
3. A technician performing the harvesting procedure for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells as part of CAR-T therapy for a patient with multiple myeloma.
4. A technician extracting T lymphocytes from a patient’s blood for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells as part of CAR-T therapy for a patient with solid tumor.
5. A technician performing the harvesting of blood-derived T lymphocytes for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells as part of CAR-T therapy for a patient with sarcoma.
6. A technician collecting T lymphocytes from a patient’s blood for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells as part of CAR-T therapy for a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
7. A technician performing the harvesting procedure for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells as part of CAR-T therapy for a patient with neuroblastoma.
8. A technician extracting T lymphocytes from a patient’s blood for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells as part of CAR-T therapy for a patient with glioblastoma.
9. A technician performing the harvesting of blood-derived T lymphocytes for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells as part of CAR-T therapy for a patient with breast cancer.
10. A technician collecting T lymphocytes from a patient’s blood for the development of genetically modified autologous CAR-T cells as part of CAR-T therapy for a patient with lung cancer.