How To Use CPT Code 88189

CPT 88189 describes the interpretation of flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers by a clinician, typically a pathologist. 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 88189?

CPT 88189 is used to describe the interpretation of flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers by a clinician, usually a pathologist. Flow cytometry is a diagnostic 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. The pathologist reviews and evaluates the results of the flow cytometry procedure and provides an interpretation or explanation of the clinical significance of the findings.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88189 is: ‘Flow cytometry, interpretation; 16 or more markers.’

3. Procedure

1. The pathologist receives the results of a flow cytometry procedure with 16 or more markers.
2. The pathologist reviews and evaluates the flow cytometry results, analyzing the presence of specifically tagged or marked sections of cells or cellular DNA.
3. The pathologist interprets the flow cytometry results, providing an explanation of the clinical significance of the findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88189 is used when a pathologist interprets flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers. This code is applicable when the flow cytometry procedure involves the analysis of a large number of markers to provide a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s condition. It is typically used for the interpretation of flow cytometry results related to the diagnosis or monitoring of malignancies, such as cancer or leukemia.

5. When to use CPT code 88189

CPT code 88189 should be used when a pathologist interprets flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers. It is important to note that this code should not be reported for the interpretation of specific analytes or methods related to flow cytometry, such as the assessment of circulating antibodies. Instead, analyte and method-specific codes in the Chemistry or Immunology sections should be used for such interpretations.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88189, the pathologist must document the following information:

• Flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers
• Interpretation of the flow cytometry results
• Explanation of the clinical significance of the findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88189, ensure that the interpretation of flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers is performed by a pathologist. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the reporting of this code. Additionally, it is crucial to understand that CPT 88189 should not be reported for the interpretation of other flow cytometry-related procedures or specific analytes.

8. Historical information

CPT 88189 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 with 16 or more markers to diagnose a patient with leukemia.
2. A pathologist providing an interpretation of flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
3. A pathologist analyzing flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers to determine the presence of specific genetic abnormalities in a patient’s cells.
4. A pathologist interpreting flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers to identify the subtype of a particular cancer in a patient.
5. A pathologist providing an interpretation of flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers to assess the risk of relapse in a patient with a history of cancer.
6. A pathologist analyzing flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers to differentiate between different types of lymphoma in a patient.
7. A pathologist interpreting flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers to determine the prognosis of a patient with a hematologic disorder.
8. A pathologist providing an interpretation of flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers to guide the selection of targeted therapies for a patient with cancer.
9. A pathologist analyzing flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers to assess the minimal residual disease in a patient after cancer treatment.
10. A pathologist interpreting flow cytometry results with 16 or more markers to identify the presence of specific immune cell populations in a patient’s sample.