How To Use CPT Code 88233

CPT 88233 describes the process of tissue culture for non-neoplastic disorders, specifically for skin or other solid tissue biopsy. This article will provide an overview of CPT 88233, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 88233?

CPT 88233 involves the tissue culture procedure for non-neoplastic disorders, focusing on skin or other solid tissue biopsy. This code is used when a lab analyst performs technical steps to culture and increase the numbers of cells from the patient’s biopsy sample. The cultured cells are then used for further testing, such as flow cytometry, to determine any chromosomal abnormalities or other non-neoplastic conditions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88233 is: ‘Tissue culture for non-neoplastic disorders; skin or other solid tissue biopsy.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives the patient’s skin or other solid tissue biopsy sample.
2. The sample is transferred to a flask containing a mixture of substances that promote cell reproduction.
3. The flask is incubated for a period of three to four days, or up to 14 days, at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius.
4. During the incubation period, the cells multiply, and the chromosomes in the nucleus go through metaphase, where they become visible and ready for further testing.
5. The cultured cells can then be used for various tests, such as flow cytometry, to analyze any chromosomal abnormalities or non-neoplastic conditions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88233 is used when tissue culture is performed on skin or other solid tissue biopsy samples for non-neoplastic disorders. This procedure is typically ordered by clinicians to increase and process cells for testing in conditions such as fetal tissue from spontaneous abortions, where a chromosomal abnormality may have caused the miscarriage. The focus is on non-neoplastic conditions, meaning it is not limited to specific diseases or disorders.

5. When to use CPT code 88233

CPT code 88233 should be used when the tissue culture procedure is performed on skin or other solid tissue biopsy samples for non-neoplastic disorders. It is important to ensure that the procedure is necessary for the specific condition being investigated and that the cultured cells will be used for further testing or analysis.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88233, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the tissue culture procedure
• Details of the specific non-neoplastic disorder or condition being investigated
• Description of the skin or other solid tissue biopsy sample
• Information on the technical steps performed during the tissue culture process
• Duration of the incubation period
• Results of any further testing or analysis conducted using the cultured cells
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88233, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed on skin or other solid tissue biopsy samples for non-neoplastic disorders. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes, but it is essential to accurately document the necessity and purpose of the tissue culture procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 88233 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 on a skin biopsy sample to investigate a non-neoplastic disorder.
2. Tissue culture being conducted on a solid tissue biopsy sample to analyze chromosomal abnormalities in a patient with a non-neoplastic condition.
3. A clinician ordering tissue culture on a skin biopsy sample from a patient who experienced a spontaneous abortion to determine if a chromosomal abnormality caused the miscarriage.
4. Tissue culture being performed on a solid tissue biopsy sample to investigate a non-neoplastic disorder related to fetal tissue.
5. A lab analyst conducting tissue culture on a skin biopsy sample to analyze non-neoplastic conditions in a patient.
6. Tissue culture being performed on a solid tissue biopsy sample to investigate non-neoplastic disorders in a research study.
7. A clinician ordering tissue culture on a skin biopsy sample to determine the presence of non-neoplastic conditions in a patient.
8. Tissue culture being conducted on a solid tissue biopsy sample to analyze chromosomal abnormalities in a patient with a non-neoplastic disorder.
9. A lab analyst performing tissue culture on a skin biopsy sample to investigate a non-neoplastic disorder in a pediatric patient.
10. Tissue culture being performed on a solid tissue biopsy sample to analyze non-neoplastic conditions in a patient with a family history of genetic disorders.