How To Use CPT Code 88108

CPT 88108 describes the procedure for cytopathology concentration technique, smears, and interpretation. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 88108?

CPT 88108 can be used to describe the procedure for cytopathology concentration technique, smears, and interpretation. This code is used when the analyst prepares smears of cytopathology fluids, washings, or brushings using a concentration technique and interprets the findings. Cytopathology is the study of cellular changes in disease states, such as cancer, infection, or inflammation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88108 is: ‘Cytopathology, concentration technique, smears and interpretation (eg, Saccomanno technique).’ This code is not applicable for cervical or vaginal smears, gastric intubation with lavage, or x-ray localization.

3. Procedure

1. The analyst receives a liquid specimen, such as bronchial washings or brushings, cerebrospinal fluid, or pericardial fluid.
2. The analyst places an amount of the sample in a concentrating device, such as a specially designed centrifuge, to remove fluid and deposit cells onto a slide.
3. The concentrated cell preparation is treated with a chemical or air dried to hold the sample on the slide.
4. The slide is then examined under a microscope, and the pathology provider prepares an interpretation of the observations.
5. The pathology provider may suggest possible disease processes or recommend follow-up tests based on the findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88108 is used for cytopathology concentration technique, smears, and interpretation. It is typically ordered when a clinician wants to examine a specimen with low cellular density to increase the likelihood of finding any abnormalities. The analyst, usually a pathologist, performs the procedure and provides an interpretation of the findings.

5. When to use CPT code 88108

CPT code 88108 should be used when the analyst performs the cytopathology concentration technique, prepares smears, and interprets the findings. It should not be used for cervical or vaginal smears, gastric intubation with lavage, or x-ray localization.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88108, the documentation should include:

• Type of specimen received
• Description of the concentration technique used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Microscopic observations and interpretation of the findings
• Recommendations for follow-up tests or further evaluation, if applicable
• Signature of the pathology provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88108, ensure that the procedure performed is cytopathology concentration technique, smears, and interpretation. This code should not be reported for cervical or vaginal smears, gastric intubation with lavage, or x-ray localization. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 88108 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 88108 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A pathologist performing a cytopathology concentration technique, preparing smears, and interpreting the findings of bronchial washings obtained during bronchoscopy.
2. An analyst preparing smears and interpreting the findings of cerebrospinal fluid obtained from the spinal column.
3. A pathology provider performing a cytopathology concentration technique, preparing smears, and interpreting the findings of pericardial fluid obtained from around the heart.
4. An analyst examining a specimen with low cellular density using the Saccomanno technique and providing an interpretation of the findings.
5. A pathologist suggesting follow-up tests or further evaluation based on the microscopic observations of a concentrated cell preparation.
6. An analyst treating a concentrated cell preparation with a chemical or air drying it to hold the sample on a slide for further examination.
7. A pathology provider providing an interpretation of the observations and recommending possible disease processes based on the findings.
8. An analyst using a specially designed centrifuge to remove fluid from a liquid specimen and deposit cells onto a slide for microscopic examination.
9. A pathologist examining a slide under a microscope and preparing an interpretation of the observations for a cytopathology concentration technique.
10. An analyst providing suggestions for follow-up tests or further evaluation based on the findings of a cytopathology concentration technique, smears, and interpretation.