How To Use CPT Code 38212

CPT 38212 describes the process of preparing hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for transplantation by removing red blood cells. 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 38212?

CPT 38212 can be used to describe the preparation of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for transplantation by removing red blood cells. This code is used when the provider takes steps to ensure that the HPC solution contains the fewest possible red blood cells, minimizing the risk of complications during the transplant process.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 38212 is: ‘Transplant preparation of hematopoietic progenitor cells; red blood cell removal.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider harvests, preserves, and thaws the hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for transplantation.
2. The provider prepares the HPC solution by using techniques to remove the greatest number of red blood cells.
3. This process may involve centrifugation, apheresis, or the use of cell washers with buffered saline to separate the cells and plasma from the rest of the HPC solution.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 38212 is used when the provider prepares the HPC solution for transplantation and takes steps to remove red blood cells. This is done to minimize the risk of ABO incompatibility and avoid the agglutination process. The procedure is typically performed when transplanting cryopreserved cells, such as marrow.

5. When to use CPT code 38212

CPT code 38212 should be used when the provider is preparing hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for transplantation and specifically removing red blood cells from the solution. It is important to note that this code should only be reported once per day.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 38212, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the HPC solution preparation process, including the techniques used to remove red blood cells
• Date of the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 38212, ensure that the provider is performing the necessary steps to remove red blood cells from the HPC solution. It is important to report this service only once per day. Consider the location of the testing when coding these procedures.

8. Historical information

CPT 38212 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider prepares hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for transplantation by removing red blood cells from the solution.
2. During the preparation process, the provider uses centrifugation to separate the cells and plasma from the rest of the HPC solution.
3. Apheresis is performed by the provider to remove red blood cells from the HPC solution before transplantation.
4. The provider utilizes cell washers with buffered saline to separate the cells and plasma from the HPC solution, ensuring the removal of red blood cells.
5. After harvesting, preserving, and thawing the HPCs, the provider takes steps to remove red blood cells from the solution before transplantation.
6. Using specialized techniques, the provider prepares the HPC solution by minimizing the number of red blood cells present.
7. The provider performs the necessary steps to remove red blood cells from the HPC solution, ensuring a safe transplantation process.
8. During the preparation of HPCs for transplantation, the provider focuses on removing red blood cells to minimize complications.
9. By utilizing techniques such as centrifugation and apheresis, the provider ensures the removal of red blood cells from the HPC solution.
10. The provider takes precautions to remove red blood cells from the HPC solution, reducing the risk of ABO incompatibility during transplantation.