How To Use CPT Code 88164

CPT 88164 describes the manual screening of cervical or vaginal cytopathology slides 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 88164?

CPT 88164 can be used to describe the manual screening of cervical or vaginal cytopathology slides by a lab analyst under the supervision of a physician. This code is used when the analyst performs the technical steps to examine the cells obtained from the cervix or vagina and reports the results using the Bethesda System.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88164 is: ‘Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal (the Bethesda System); manual screening under physician supervision.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives the cytopathology slide containing cells obtained from the cervix or vagina.
2. Under the supervision of a physician, the analyst manually screens the slide using a microscope.
3. The analyst examines the cells and reports the findings using the Bethesda System, which includes a statement about the specimen collected and categorizes the results.
4. The manual screening is performed once, and there is no rescreening of the same slides.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88164 is used when a lab analyst performs the manual screening of cervical or vaginal cytopathology slides under the supervision of a physician. This code is typically used for routine screening of female patients as part of an annual exam, for patients with a family history of cervical cancer, or for patients experiencing symptoms such as pain or discharge from the vagina.

5. When to use CPT code 88164

CPT code 88164 should be used when a lab analyst manually screens cervical or vaginal cytopathology slides under the supervision of a physician. It is important to note that this code is specifically for manual screening and should not be used for automated screening methods.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88164, the documentation should include:

• Details of the cytopathology slide, including the specimen collected and any relevant findings
• Supervising physician’s name and signature
• Results reported using the Bethesda System

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88164, ensure that the service is performed by a lab analyst under the supervision of a physician. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by payers regarding the use of HCPCS codes for screening Pap tests and the appropriate linking of professional interpretation codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 88164 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 a cervical cytopathology slide under the supervision of a physician and reporting the results using the Bethesda System.
2. A lab analyst performing the manual screening of a vaginal cytopathology slide under the supervision of a physician and categorizing the findings according to the Bethesda System.
3. A routine screening of cervical cytopathology slides by a lab analyst under the supervision of a physician, using the Bethesda System to report the results.
4. A lab analyst examining vaginal cytopathology slides and reporting the findings using the Bethesda System, under the supervision of a physician.
5. A manual screening of cervical cytopathology slides by a lab analyst, with a physician overseeing the process and interpreting the results using the Bethesda System.
6. A lab analyst performing the manual screening of vaginal cytopathology slides, reporting the findings using the Bethesda System, and having a physician review and interpret the results.
7. A routine screening of cervical cytopathology slides by a lab analyst under the supervision of a physician, with the results reported using the Bethesda System.
8. A lab analyst examining vaginal cytopathology slides and categorizing the findings according to the Bethesda System, under the supervision of a physician.
9. A manual screening of cervical cytopathology slides by a lab analyst, with a physician overseeing the process and interpreting the results using the Bethesda System.
10. A lab analyst performing the manual screening of vaginal cytopathology slides, reporting the findings using the Bethesda System, and having a physician review and interpret the results.