How To Use CPT Code 88185

CPT 88185 describes the technical component of a flow cytometry procedure using cell surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear markers to characterize cells and aid in diagnosing patients with conditions such as certain cancers or immune dysfunctions. 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 88185?

CPT 88185 can be used to describe the technical component of a flow cytometry procedure performed by a laboratory analyst. This procedure involves using cell surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear markers to characterize cells and assist clinicians in diagnosing patients with conditions such as certain cancers or immune dysfunctions. CPT 88185 is an add-on code that is used for each additional marker after the first one.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88185 is: ‘Flow cytometry, cell surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear marker, technical component only; each additional marker (List separately in addition to code for first marker).’ This code should be reported in conjunction with CPT code 88184.

3. Procedure

1. The laboratory analyst performs the technical component of a flow cytometry procedure using cell surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear markers to characterize cells.
2. The analyst receives specimens such as whole blood, bone marrow, body fluids, fine needle aspirates (FNA), or tissue for testing.
3. The analyst selects the appropriate fluorescently tagged antibodies, known as markers, based on the suspected diagnosis.
4. The specimen is incubated with the markers, allowing them to attach to specific proteins on the cell surface, cytoplasm, or nucleus.
5. The analyst processes the specimen through a flow cytometer, where the labeled cells pass singly through a laser beam, causing them to fluoresce.
6. The light scatter characteristics of the cells are analyzed to identify and quantify the specific cell type.
7. Multiple markers can be measured simultaneously in most flow cytometry methods.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88185 is used when a flow cytometry procedure is performed using cell surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear markers to characterize cells. This procedure is typically ordered by clinicians to distinguish certain leukemias, perform bone marrow analysis, or monitor monoclonal antibody therapy. It is important to note that CPT 88185 is an add-on code and should be reported in conjunction with CPT code 88184.

5. When to use CPT code 88185

CPT code 88185 should be used when a flow cytometry procedure is performed using additional markers after the first one. It is important to report CPT code 88184 for the first marker and then use CPT code 88185 for each additional marker.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 88185, the following documentation is required:

• Indication of the specific marker used for each additional marker
• Date of the flow cytometry procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Details of the specimen used for testing
• Results of the flow cytometry analysis
• Signature of the laboratory analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 88185, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed by a laboratory analyst and that it is reported in conjunction with CPT code 88184 for the first marker. Payers may not reimburse for CPT code 88185 if it is not reported with an appropriate primary code. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT code 88185 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2005. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A laboratory analyst performing a flow cytometry procedure using an additional marker to characterize cells in a patient with suspected acute myeloid leukemia.
2. A flow cytometry procedure performed by a laboratory analyst using an additional marker to analyze bone marrow cells in a patient with suspected lymphoma.
3. A laboratory analyst conducting a flow cytometry procedure using an additional marker to monitor monoclonal antibody therapy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.
4. A flow cytometry procedure performed by a laboratory analyst using an additional marker to analyze immune cells in a patient with suspected immune dysfunction.
5. A laboratory analyst conducting a flow cytometry procedure using an additional marker to identify specific cell types in a patient with suspected multiple myeloma.
6. A flow cytometry procedure performed by a laboratory analyst using an additional marker to analyze lymph node cells in a patient with suspected lymphoma.
7. A laboratory analyst conducting a flow cytometry procedure using an additional marker to analyze peripheral blood cells in a patient with suspected leukemia.
8. A flow cytometry procedure performed by a laboratory analyst using an additional marker to analyze cerebrospinal fluid cells in a patient with suspected central nervous system lymphoma.
9. A laboratory analyst conducting a flow cytometry procedure using an additional marker to analyze synovial fluid cells in a patient with suspected rheumatoid arthritis.
10. A flow cytometry procedure performed by a laboratory analyst using an additional marker to analyze tumor cells in a patient with suspected cancer.