How To Use CPT Code 88235

CPT 88235 describes the process of tissue culture for non-neoplastic disorders using amniotic fluid or chorionic villus cells. 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 88235?

CPT 88235 can be used to describe the tissue culture procedure performed by lab analysts to increase the number of cells available for genetic testing. This code specifically applies to the culture of fetal cells recovered from amniotic fluid or chorionic villus cells. The purpose of this procedure is to provide an adequate amount of cells for subsequent chromosome analysis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88235 is: ‘Tissue culture for non-neoplastic disorders; amniotic fluid or chorionic villus cells.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a sample of amniotic fluid or chorionic villus cells collected by a clinician.
2. If the sample is amniotic fluid, the analyst processes it through centrifugation to concentrate the cells. If the sample is chorionic villus cells, the analyst sorts it to remove maternal tissue.
3. The analyst places the amniotic sediment or villus cells in a flask or petri dish containing growth media, which nourishes and encourages cell division.
4. The cells incubate for approximately 14 days, during which they multiply through mitosis, forming new cells and replicating chromosomes.
5. After the incubation period, the cells are ready for chromosome analysis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88235 is typically performed to increase the number of cells available for testing for chromosomal abnormalities. It is not limited to a specific condition but is commonly used in cases where genetic testing is necessary. The procedure requires the collection of amniotic fluid through amniocentesis, usually performed at 15 to 20 weeks gestation. Alternatively, chorionic villus collection can be done at 10 to 12 weeks gestation, providing an earlier sample and diagnosis.

5. When to use CPT code 88235

CPT code 88235 should be used when performing tissue culture on amniotic fluid or chorionic villus cells for non-neoplastic disorders. It is important to ensure that the procedure is necessary for genetic testing purposes and that the appropriate sample collection method (amniocentesis or chorionic villus collection) is used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88235, the following documentation is required:

• Indication of the need for tissue culture for genetic testing
• Details of the sample collection method (amniocentesis or chorionic villus collection)
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the tissue culture process
• Confirmation of successful cell division and replication
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88235, ensure that the procedure involves tissue culture for non-neoplastic disorders using amniotic fluid or chorionic villus cells. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines for reporting this code accurately. Additionally, consider any applicable modifiers or reporting instructions provided by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 88235 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 amniotic fluid cells to increase the number of cells available for genetic testing in a patient with suspected chromosomal abnormalities.
2. A lab analyst processing chorionic villus cells through sorting to remove maternal tissue and culture them for subsequent chromosome analysis in a patient at 10 weeks gestation.
3. A lab analyst receiving a sample of amniotic fluid collected through amniocentesis and performing tissue culture to provide an adequate number of cells for genetic testing in a patient at 18 weeks gestation.
4. A lab analyst incubating amniotic sediment in growth media for 14 days to allow fetal cells to multiply and replicate chromosomes for subsequent chromosome analysis.
5. A lab analyst documenting successful cell division and replication in cultured chorionic villus cells, indicating that the cells are suitable for chromosome analysis.
6. A lab analyst signing off on the completion of tissue culture for non-neoplastic disorders using amniotic fluid or chorionic villus cells, ensuring that the cells are ready for genetic testing.
7. A lab analyst performing tissue culture on amniotic fluid cells collected through amniocentesis to increase the number of cells available for genetic testing in a patient with a family history of chromosomal abnormalities.
8. A lab analyst processing chorionic villus cells through centrifugation to concentrate the cells and culture them for subsequent chromosome analysis in a patient with suspected genetic disorders.
9. A lab analyst incubating amniotic sediment in growth media for 14 days to allow fetal cells to multiply and replicate chromosomes, ensuring an adequate number of cells for genetic testing in a patient with suspected chromosomal abnormalities.
10. A lab analyst documenting the successful tissue culture of chorionic villus cells, indicating that the cells are suitable for genetic testing and subsequent chromosome analysis.