How To Use CPT Code 88240

CPT 88240 describes the process of cryopreservation, freezing, and storage of cells. 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 88240?

CPT 88240 involves the cryopreservation, freezing, and storage of cells. This code is used when an analyst freezes and stores a cell line using cryopreservation, a method of stabilizing cells by freezing them at very low temperatures. Cryopreservation allows for the preservation of cell samples for future use or testing.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88240 is: ‘Cryopreservation, freezing and storage of cells, each cell line.’

3. Procedure

1. The analyst examines the cell line for contaminants and mixes the cells with a cryoprotective agent suitable for the specific cell line.
2. The cells are placed into special vials and inserted into a cryogenic freezer.
3. The temperature is gradually lowered using liquid nitrogen, reaching as low as minus 130 degrees Celsius.
4. The cell line is stored in an organized manner in the freezer to minimize exposure to warmer air when adding or removing vials.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88240 is used when cryopreservation, freezing, and storage of cells are necessary to maintain cellular integrity. This procedure is typically performed on cell lines such as stem cells or blood cells. It is important to note that if the freezing and thawing services are related to the therapeutic use of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), a different set of codes should be used.

5. When to use CPT code 88240

CPT code 88240 should be used when an analyst performs cryopreservation, freezing, and storage of cells for each cell line. It is important to accurately report this code for proper documentation and billing purposes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88240, the following documentation is required:

• Identification of the cell line and the need for cryopreservation
• Details of the cryoprotective agent used
• Date of the procedure
• Storage organization in the freezer

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88240, ensure that the cryopreservation, freezing, and storage of cells are performed by an analyst. Follow the appropriate coding guidelines and ensure accurate documentation to support the claim. It is important to note that different codes should be used for cryopreservation and storage of hematopoietic progenitor cells.

8. Historical information

CPT 88240 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1999. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. An analyst freezes and stores a cell line of stem cells for future research purposes.
2. A laboratory technician cryopreserves and stores blood cells for a biobank.
3. A researcher freezes and stores a cell line of cancer cells for further study.
4. An analyst freezes and stores a cell line of neuronal cells for use in regenerative medicine.
5. A scientist cryopreserves and stores a cell line of plant cells for preservation and future propagation.
6. A technician freezes and stores a cell line of bacteria for use in microbiology research.
7. An analyst cryopreserves and stores a cell line of liver cells for drug metabolism studies.
8. A researcher freezes and stores a cell line of heart cells for cardiac tissue engineering.
9. A laboratory technician cryopreserves and stores a cell line of kidney cells for organ transplantation research.
10. An analyst freezes and stores a cell line of lung cells for respiratory disease studies.