How To Use CPT Code 88160
CPT 88160 describes the screening and interpretation of cytopathology smears from any other source. 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 88160?
CPT 88160 can be used to describe the analysis of cytopathology smears from any other source for screening and interpretation purposes. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to analyze a cytopathology specimen smeared on a slide, looking for cell abnormalities and interpreting any abnormalities found.
2. Official Description
The official description of CPT code 88160 is: ‘Cytopathology, smears, any other source; screening and interpretation.’
3. Procedure
- The clinician obtains a cytopathology specimen by smearing cellular material on a slide.
- The lab analyst performs the technical steps to analyze the cytopathology smear, screening for cell abnormalities.
- If cell abnormalities are present, the lab analyst interprets the abnormalities.
- The analysis involves looking at cells from various sources, such as cervical, vaginal, fine needle aspirates, body fluids, and washings.
- The analysis is performed to screen for malignancy, damage from hazardous materials, damage from radiation or chemical treatment, or other cellular abnormalities.
4. Qualifying circumstances
CPT 88160 is used when a clinician obtains a cytopathology specimen by smearing cellular material on a slide for screening and interpretation. This code should not be used if the clinician collects cells using fluids to wash away or brushes cells from a structure. It is important to note that this code should only be used if there is no other more specific code available for the type of cytopathology smear being analyzed.
5. When to use CPT code 88160
CPT code 88160 should be used when a clinician obtains a cytopathology specimen by smearing cellular material on a slide and requires screening and interpretation of the smear. This code is appropriate for analyzing cytopathology smears from any other source when there is no more specific code available.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT 88160, the documentation should include:
- Details of the cytopathology specimen obtained and the source of the cellular material
- Date and time of the analysis
- Screening results, including any cell abnormalities found
- Interpretation of any abnormalities found
- Signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT 88160, ensure that the analysis is performed by a lab analyst and that the cytopathology smear is screened and interpreted. Use this code only if there is no other more specific code available for the type of cytopathology smear being analyzed. It is important to note that CPT 88160 should not be reported with other codes unless necessary. Additional tips for reporting CPT 88160 include considering the location of the testing and using other specific codes for washings or brushings.
8. Historical information
CPT 88160 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
- A clinician smears cellular material from a fine needle aspirate on a slide and sends it to the lab for screening and interpretation of cell abnormalities.
- A clinician collects a body fluid sample and smears it on a slide for cytopathology analysis to screen for malignancy or other cellular abnormalities.
- A clinician obtains a washings specimen and smears it on a slide to analyze for infectious agents using cytopathology techniques.
- A clinician brushes cells from a structure and smears them on a slide for cytopathology analysis to screen for malignant cells.
- A clinician obtains a cellular material sample from an unknown source and smears it on a slide for cytopathology analysis to interpret any cell abnormalities found.
