How To Use CPT Code 88187

CPT 88187 describes the interpretation of flow cytometry results using two to eight markers. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 88187?

CPT 88187 can be used to describe the interpretation of flow cytometry results using two to eight markers. This code is used when a clinician, typically a pathologist, reviews and evaluates the results of a flow cytometry procedure and provides their interpretation of the clinical significance of the procedure. Flow cytometry is a technique that uses light scatter and lasers to identify specific sections of cells or cellular DNA, which can indicate the presence of certain malignancies such as cancer or leukemia.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88187 is: ‘Flow cytometry, interpretation; 2 to 8 markers.’

3. Procedure

1. The pathologist reviews and evaluates the results of a flow cytometry procedure with two to eight markers.
2. They provide their interpretation or explanation of the clinical significance of the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88187 is used when a pathologist interprets flow cytometry results using two to eight markers. This code is applicable when the results of the procedure are being evaluated for the presence of certain malignancies, such as cancer or leukemia. The pathologist must have the necessary expertise to interpret the results accurately.

5. When to use CPT code 88187

CPT code 88187 should be used when a pathologist interprets flow cytometry results using two to eight markers. It is important to note that this code is specific to the interpretation of flow cytometry results and should not be used for other types of laboratory tests or procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88187, the pathologist must document the following information:

• The results of the flow cytometry procedure
• The specific markers used in the procedure
• The pathologist’s interpretation or explanation of the clinical significance of the results

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88187, ensure that the interpretation of flow cytometry results using two to eight markers is performed by a qualified pathologist. This code should not be reported with other codes unless additional markers are interpreted, in which case the appropriate code should be used based on the number of markers interpreted. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer when submitting claims for CPT 88187.

8. Historical information

CPT 88187 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 pathologist interpreting flow cytometry results using two markers to determine the presence of cancer in a patient.
2. A pathologist reviewing flow cytometry results with six markers to diagnose a specific type of leukemia.
3. A pathologist providing their interpretation of flow cytometry results using eight markers to assess the effectiveness of a cancer treatment.
4. A pathologist evaluating flow cytometry results with three markers to identify the presence of a rare blood disorder.
5. A pathologist interpreting flow cytometry results using five markers to determine the prognosis of a patient with lymphoma.
6. A pathologist reviewing flow cytometry results with seven markers to guide the treatment plan for a patient with multiple myeloma.
7. A pathologist providing their interpretation of flow cytometry results using four markers to monitor the progression of a patient’s leukemia.
8. A pathologist evaluating flow cytometry results with two markers to confirm the diagnosis of a rare immunodeficiency disorder.
9. A pathologist interpreting flow cytometry results using six markers to assess the risk of relapse in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
10. A pathologist reviewing flow cytometry results with eight markers to determine the presence of minimal residual disease in a patient after cancer treatment.