How To Use CPT Code 38241

CPT 38241 describes the procedure for hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) autologous transplantation. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 38241?

CPT 38241 can be used to describe the surgical placement of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) from one part of the patient’s body to another location in the same patient. This procedure involves the collection of HPCs from the patient’s bone marrow and their subsequent infusion back into the patient’s bloodstream through an intravenous drip.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 38241 is: ‘Hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC); autologous transplantation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by collecting hematopoietic progenitor cells directly from the patient’s bone marrow.
2. The collected HPCs are then injected back into the patient’s bloodstream through an intravenous drip.
3. This procedure is performed under completely sterile conditions to minimize the risk of infection.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 38241 is performed when the provider harvests hematopoietic progenitor cells from the patient’s own bone marrow and subsequently reintroduces them into the patient’s bloodstream. This procedure is typically used as a treatment for certain conditions that require complete suppression of the immune system, such as certain types of cancer.

5. When to use CPT code 38241

CPT code 38241 should be used when the provider performs an autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. It is important to note that this code is specific to the transplantation of HPCs harvested from the same patient.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 38241, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells
• Details of the procedure, including the collection of HPCs from the patient’s bone marrow and their infusion back into the patient’s bloodstream
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as the use of chemotherapy prior to the transplantation
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 38241, ensure that the procedure involves the autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. It is important to report this code only when the provider harvests and reintroduces HPCs from the same patient. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 38241 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2013, when it was previously described as ‘Bone marrow or blood-derived peripheral stem cell transplantation; autologous.’

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells to treat leukemia.
2. A provider performs an autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells for a patient with lymphoma.
3. An individual receives an autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells as part of their treatment for multiple myeloma.
4. A patient undergoes autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells to treat aplastic anemia.
5. An individual receives an autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells as part of their treatment for sickle cell disease.
6. A provider performs an autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells for a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome.
7. A patient undergoes autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
8. An individual receives an autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells as part of their treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
9. A provider performs an autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells for a patient with multiple sclerosis.
10. A patient undergoes autologous transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells to treat systemic lupus erythematosus.