How To Use CPT Code 38209

CPT 38209 describes the process of preparing 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 38209?

CPT 38209 can be used to describe the preparation of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for transplantation. This code is used when the provider thaws the previously frozen HPCs and washes them to remove the cryoprotective solution, hemoglobin, and debris, making the cells ready for transplantation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 38209 is: ‘Transplant preparation of hematopoietic progenitor cells; thawing of previously frozen harvest, with washing, per donor.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider thaws the frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) at a precise temperature of 37 degrees Celsius to liquefy the cells without damaging them.
2. The provider washes the cryoprotective solution off the cells, either by diluting the solution with saline and centrifuging it multiple times or by slowly diluting the solution with a specific diluting substance for the type of cells being thawed.
3. The provider repeats the washing process as necessary to ensure the cells are completely washed and ready for transplantation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 38209 are those who require hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation. The provider must thaw and wash the cells to remove the cryoprotective solution, hemoglobin, and debris. This procedure is performed per donor.

5. When to use CPT code 38209

CPT code 38209 should be used when the provider thaws and washes previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for transplantation. This code should be reported once for each donor and only once in a day.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 38209, the provider must document the following information:

• Identification of the donor
• Date of the procedure
• Thawing process details, including the temperature used
• Washing process details, including the method used (saline dilution and centrifugation or specific diluting substance)
• Any additional cycles of washing performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 38209, ensure that the provider thaws and washes the hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for transplantation. This code should be reported per donor and only once in a day. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 38209 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 38209 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been historical changes to the code, including modifications to the description and addition of washing steps.

9. Examples

1. A provider thaws and washes previously frozen hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for transplantation in a patient with leukemia.
2. A provider performs the thawing and washing procedure on HPCs from a donor for transplantation in a patient with lymphoma.
3. A provider prepares HPCs for transplantation by thawing and washing them in a patient with multiple myeloma.
4. A provider thaws and washes HPCs from a donor for transplantation in a patient with sickle cell disease.
5. A provider performs the thawing and washing procedure on HPCs for transplantation in a patient with aplastic anemia.
6. A provider prepares HPCs for transplantation by thawing and washing them in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome.
7. A provider thaws and washes previously frozen HPCs for transplantation in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
8. A provider performs the thawing and washing procedure on HPCs from a donor for transplantation in a patient with myelofibrosis.
9. A provider prepares HPCs for transplantation by thawing and washing them in a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma.
10. A provider thaws and washes HPCs from a donor for transplantation in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia.