How To Use CPT Code 38232

CPT 38232 describes the surgical procedure of bone marrow harvesting for transplantation, specifically for autologous use. 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 38232?

CPT 38232 is a code used to describe the surgical procedure of bone marrow harvesting for transplantation. It specifically refers to the collection of bone marrow tissue from a patient for later use in the same patient. This procedure is typically performed when the patient requires a bone marrow transplant to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow cells.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 38232 is: ‘Bone marrow harvesting for transplantation; autologous.’ This code is specifically used when the bone marrow tissue is collected from the same patient who will be the recipient of the transplant. It is important to note that this code should not be used for other types of bone marrow harvesting procedures, such as allogeneic blood-derived peripheral stem cell harvesting.

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the healthcare provider prepares the patient by ensuring appropriate anesthesia and prepping the area where the bone marrow will be harvested.
2. The provider then inserts a needle into the bone marrow cavity, typically in the sternum, iliac crest, or ribs, using a drill-like motion.
3. With the help of a large syringe, the provider suctions the bone marrow tissue from the cavity and transfers it into a special container for later use.
4. Finally, the provider dresses the wound from the needle with a pressure dressing to promote healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 38232 is used when the bone marrow tissue is harvested from the same patient who will receive the transplant. It is important to note that this code should not be used when the tissue is harvested from a different donor. The procedure is typically performed when the patient requires a bone marrow transplant to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow cells.

5. When to use CPT code 38232

CPT code 38232 should be used when the bone marrow tissue is harvested from the same patient who will receive the transplant. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If the bone marrow tissue is harvested from a different donor, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 38232, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation that the bone marrow tissue was harvested from the same patient who will receive the transplant
• Date of the procedure
• Specific location where the bone marrow tissue was harvested (sternum, iliac crest, ribs, etc.)
• Details of the procedure, including the use of anesthesia and any complications encountered
• Information about the container used to collect the bone marrow tissue
• Documentation of any additional procedures performed during the same surgical session
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 38232, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. This code should only be used when the bone marrow tissue is harvested from the same patient who will receive the transplant. It should not be reported if the tissue is harvested from a different donor. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT code 38232 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2012. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes bone marrow harvesting from their iliac crest for later autologous transplantation.
2. A healthcare provider performs bone marrow harvesting from the sternum of a patient who will receive an autologous bone marrow transplant.
3. A bone marrow harvesting procedure is performed on a patient’s ribs for later autologous transplantation.
4. A provider collects bone marrow tissue from the iliac crest of a patient for autologous transplantation.
5. A patient undergoes bone marrow harvesting from their sternum for later autologous transplantation.
6. A healthcare provider performs bone marrow harvesting from the ribs of a patient who will receive an autologous bone marrow transplant.
7. A bone marrow harvesting procedure is performed on a patient’s iliac crest for later autologous transplantation.
8. A provider collects bone marrow tissue from the sternum of a patient for autologous transplantation.
9. A patient undergoes bone marrow harvesting from their ribs for later autologous transplantation.
10. A healthcare provider performs bone marrow harvesting from the iliac crest of a patient who will receive an autologous bone marrow transplant.