How To Use CPT Code 88153

CPT 88153 describes the manual screening and rescreening of cervical or vaginal cytopathology slides by a lab analyst under the supervision of a physician. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 88153?

CPT 88153 can be used to describe the manual screening and rescreening of cervical or vaginal cytopathology slides by a lab analyst under the supervision of a physician. This code is used when the lab analyst performs all the technical steps to manually analyze the cells on the slide and then rescreens the same slide manually to confirm any abnormalities or medically necessary reasons.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88153 is: ‘Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal; with manual screening and rescreening under physician supervision.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives the cervical or vaginal cytopathology slide for analysis.
2. Under the supervision of a physician, the lab analyst manually screens the slide to examine the cells and identify any abnormalities or medically necessary reasons.
3. After the initial manual screening, the lab analyst rescreens the same slide manually to confirm the findings and ensure accuracy.
4. The lab analyst documents the results of the manual screening and rescreening for further interpretation by a physician.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88153 is used when there is a need for manual screening and rescreening of cervical or vaginal cytopathology slides. This may be due to an abnormality detected during the initial screening or other medically necessary reasons requiring confirmation. The lab analyst performs the procedure under the supervision of a physician.

5. When to use CPT code 88153

CPT code 88153 should be used when there is a need for manual screening and rescreening of cervical or vaginal cytopathology slides. It is appropriate to bill this code when the lab analyst performs the procedure under the supervision of a physician. This code should be used when the initial manual screening showed an abnormality or other medically necessary reason requiring confirmation by another manual screen.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88153, the following documentation is required:

• Indication of the need for manual screening and rescreening of the cytopathology slide
• Date of the procedure
• Identification of the lab analyst who performed the manual screening and rescreening
• Results of the initial manual screening and any abnormalities or medically necessary reasons detected
• Results of the rescreening and confirmation of the findings
• Supervising physician’s signature or attestation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88153, ensure that the lab analyst performs the manual screening and rescreening under the supervision of a physician. This code should be reported when there is a need for confirmation of abnormalities or other medically necessary reasons. It is important to link the professional interpretation code, such as 88141, to the appropriate technical code, such as 88153, when necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 88153 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1999. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst manually screening and rescreening a cervical cytopathology slide under the supervision of a physician to confirm an abnormality.
2. A lab analyst performing manual screening and rescreening of a vaginal cytopathology slide to confirm medically necessary reasons for further evaluation.
3. A physician supervising a lab analyst who manually screens and rescreens a cervical cytopathology slide to ensure accurate interpretation.
4. A lab analyst conducting manual screening and rescreening of a vaginal cytopathology slide to confirm the presence of abnormal cells.
5. A physician overseeing the manual screening and rescreening of a cervical cytopathology slide to confirm the need for additional diagnostic procedures.
6. A lab analyst performing manual screening and rescreening of a vaginal cytopathology slide to confirm the absence of abnormal cells.
7. A physician reviewing the results of manual screening and rescreening of a cervical cytopathology slide to guide further treatment decisions.
8. A lab analyst conducting manual screening and rescreening of a vaginal cytopathology slide to ensure accurate diagnosis.
9. A physician supervising the manual screening and rescreening of a cervical cytopathology slide to confirm the presence of precancerous cells.
10. A lab analyst performing manual screening and rescreening of a vaginal cytopathology slide to confirm the need for a biopsy.