How To Use CPT Code 88230

CPT 88230 describes the process of tissue culture for non-neoplastic disorders, specifically focusing on lymphocytes. This article will provide an overview of CPT 88230, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 88230?

CPT 88230 is a code used to describe the tissue culture procedure for non-neoplastic disorders, specifically focusing on lymphocytes. This procedure involves the growth and reproduction of lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system’s functioning. The purpose of this procedure is to increase the numbers of lymphocytes for further testing and analysis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88230 is: ‘Tissue culture for non-neoplastic disorders; lymphocyte.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst begins by obtaining a sample, typically blood, from the patient.
2. The sample is then transferred to a flask containing a mixture of substances that promote the reproduction of lymphocytes.
3. The flask is incubated at a temperature of approximately 37 degrees Celsius for a period of three to four days.
4. During this incubation period, the lymphocytes multiply, and their chromosomes become visible and ready for further testing.
5. The cultured lymphocytes can then be used for various diagnostic tests, such as flow cytometry, to analyze their characteristics and functions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88230 is used for tissue culture procedures specifically focused on lymphocytes in non-neoplastic disorders. This procedure is typically ordered by clinicians to increase and process lymphocytes for testing in conditions such as Turner syndrome, a congenital disorder characterized by structural abnormalities caused by a missing chromosome. It is important to note that CPT 88230 is not limited to testing for specific conditions and can be used in various non-neoplastic disorders.

5. When to use CPT code 88230

CPT code 88230 should be used when performing tissue culture for non-neoplastic disorders, specifically targeting lymphocytes. This code is appropriate when the purpose of the procedure is to increase the numbers of lymphocytes for further testing and analysis. It is important to ensure that the procedure aligns with the official description of CPT code 88230.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 88230, the following documentation is required:

• Clear indication of the non-neoplastic disorder for which the tissue culture procedure is being performed
• Details of the specific procedure performed, including the use of lymphocytes and the purpose of the culture
• Date and duration of the tissue culture procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as the specific diagnostic tests to be performed using the cultured lymphocytes
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 88230, it is important to ensure that the procedure aligns with the official description and is performed for non-neoplastic disorders involving lymphocytes. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 88230 with other codes. However, it is essential to accurately document and code all relevant procedures and services provided to the patient.

8. Historical information

CPT code 88230 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing tissue culture for lymphocytes in a patient with Turner syndrome to analyze their characteristics and functions.
2. A tissue culture procedure for lymphocytes ordered by a clinician to increase and process lymphocytes for further testing in a non-neoplastic disorder.
3. A lab analyst incubating a flask containing a patient’s blood sample to promote the reproduction of lymphocytes for diagnostic purposes.
4. A tissue culture procedure for lymphocytes performed to analyze the immune system’s functioning in a non-neoplastic disorder.
5. A lab analyst transferring a patient’s blood sample to a flask containing substances that facilitate the growth and multiplication of lymphocytes for subsequent testing.
6. A tissue culture procedure for lymphocytes conducted to study the immune response in a non-neoplastic disorder.
7. A lab analyst performing tissue culture for lymphocytes to increase their numbers for further analysis and testing in a specific non-neoplastic disorder.
8. A tissue culture procedure for lymphocytes ordered by a clinician to investigate the patient’s immune system in a non-neoplastic disorder.
9. A lab analyst incubating a flask containing a patient’s blood sample to culture lymphocytes and prepare them for diagnostic tests.
10. A tissue culture procedure for lymphocytes performed to assess the patient’s immune function in a non-neoplastic disorder.