How To Use CPT Code 38208

CPT 38208 describes the process of preparing already frozen and stored hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for transplantation. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 38208?

CPT 38208 can be used to describe the procedure performed by a healthcare provider to thaw previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them. This code is used when the provider carefully changes the temperature of the cryoprotective solution to liquefy the cells, ensuring that the temperature is precisely at 37 degrees Celsius. The thawed cells are then immediately infused or further processed without washing.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 38208 is: ‘Transplant preparation of hematopoietic progenitor cells; thawing of previously frozen harvest, without washing, per donor.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider ensures that the temperature for thawing the cryoprotective solution is precisely at 37 degrees Celsius.
2. The provider rapidly thaws the previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them.
3. The thawed cells are immediately infused or further processed without washing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 38208 is used when the healthcare provider thaws previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them. This procedure is performed as part of the transplant preparation process. The provider must ensure that the temperature for thawing the cryoprotective solution is precisely at 37 degrees Celsius to prevent damage to the cells.

5. When to use CPT code 38208

CPT code 38208 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the procedure of thawing previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them. This code should be reported once for each donor and only once in a day.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 38208, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Thawing of previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing
• Date and time of the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 38208, ensure that the healthcare provider performs the procedure of thawing previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them. This code should not be reported with other codes related to diagnostic thawing and expansion of frozen cells. It is important to use this code only once for each donor and only once in a day.

8. Historical information

CPT 38208 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been two code changes since its addition, with the most recent change occurring on January 1, 2012.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider thawing previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them for a patient undergoing a bone marrow transplant.
2. A medical technologist carefully changing the temperature of the cryoprotective solution to precisely 37 degrees Celsius to thaw hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them.
3. A nurse immediately infusing the thawed hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them after they have been thawed by a healthcare provider.
4. A hematologist rapidly thawing previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them for a patient in need of a stem cell transplant.
5. A transplant coordinator documenting the date and time of the procedure of thawing previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them.
6. A healthcare provider performing the procedure of thawing previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them and obtaining the required signature.
7. A medical laboratory scientist ensuring that the temperature for thawing the cryoprotective solution is precisely at 37 degrees Celsius to prevent damage to the hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs).
8. A healthcare provider thawing previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them for a patient with a blood disorder.
9. A transplant nurse immediately processing the thawed hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them after they have been thawed by a healthcare provider.
10. A hematologist performing the procedure of thawing previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) without washing them and ensuring that the cells are ready for transplantation.