How To Use CPT Code 88120

CPT 88120 describes the procedure for cytopathology, specifically in situ hybridization (ISH), with manual morphometric analysis using three to five molecular probes on a urinary tract specimen. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 88120?

CPT 88120 can be used to describe the procedure for cytopathology, specifically in situ hybridization (ISH), with manual morphometric analysis using three to five molecular probes on a urinary tract specimen. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to analyze the specimen, looking at the number and form of the structures in the cells.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88120 is: ‘Cytopathology, in situ hybridization (eg, FISH), urinary tract specimen with morphometric analysis, 3-5 molecular probes, each specimen; manual.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares the urinary tract specimen, most commonly urine, and fixes it to a slide.
2. The analyst selects three to five molecular probes and mixes them with the specimen.
3. The probes hybridize with the complementary sequences in the specimen, forming double-stranded DNA or RNA molecules.
4. The analyst uses an enzyme to detect the fluorescent labeled probes coupled with the DNA sequences.
5. The analyst manually counts and assesses the target cell structures, looking at the number and form of the structures in the cells.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88120 is typically ordered for patients with a history of bladder cancer and suspected recurrence. However, it is not limited to testing for a specific condition. The procedure involves analyzing a urinary tract specimen using in situ hybridization with three to five molecular probes and manual morphometric analysis.

5. When to use CPT code 88120

CPT code 88120 should be used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to analyze a urinary tract specimen using in situ hybridization with three to five molecular probes and manual morphometric analysis. This code is appropriate when the analyst manually counts and assesses the target cell structures. If a computer performs the count, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88120, the documentation should include:

• Patient’s history and reason for the procedure
• Details of the urinary tract specimen analyzed
• Number and type of molecular probes used
• Date and time of the procedure
• Results of the manual morphometric analysis
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88120, ensure that the procedure involves manual morphometric analysis using three to five molecular probes on a urinary tract specimen. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with other codes such as CPT 88121. Additionally, it is recommended to use this code for urine tests to help detect recurrent bladder cancer.

8. Historical information

CPT 88120 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs in situ hybridization with three molecular probes on a urinary tract specimen, manually counting and assessing the target cell structures.
2. A patient with a history of bladder cancer undergoes a urine test using in situ hybridization with five molecular probes, and the lab analyst manually analyzes the specimen for morphometric analysis.
3. A lab analyst analyzes a urinary tract specimen using in situ hybridization with four molecular probes, manually counting and assessing the target cell structures.
4. A urine sample from a patient with suspected bladder cancer recurrence is analyzed using in situ hybridization with three molecular probes, and the lab analyst performs manual morphometric analysis.
5. A lab analyst performs in situ hybridization with five molecular probes on a urinary tract specimen, manually assessing the number and form of the structures in the cells.
6. A patient with a history of bladder cancer undergoes a urine test using in situ hybridization with three molecular probes, and the lab analyst manually counts and assesses the target cell structures.
7. A lab analyst analyzes a urinary tract specimen using in situ hybridization with four molecular probes, manually assessing the number and form of the structures in the cells.
8. A urine sample from a patient with suspected bladder cancer recurrence is analyzed using in situ hybridization with five molecular probes, and the lab analyst performs manual morphometric analysis.
9. A lab analyst performs in situ hybridization with three molecular probes on a urinary tract specimen, manually counting and assessing the target cell structures.
10. A patient with a history of bladder cancer undergoes a urine test using in situ hybridization with four molecular probes, and the lab analyst manually analyzes the specimen for morphometric analysis.