How To Use CPT Code 88272

CPT 88272 describes the process of molecular cytogenetics using chromosomal in situ hybridization to analyze three to five cells for genetic abnormalities. 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 88272?

CPT 88272 can be used to analyze three to five cells using chromosomal in situ hybridization. This test is typically performed on amniotic fluid or blood samples to detect genetic abnormalities such as derivatives and markers. The analyst uses a method called fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to test the cells for specific rearrangements and additions of genetic material.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88272 is: ‘Molecular cytogenetics; chromosomal in situ hybridization, analyze 3-5 cells (eg, for derivatives and markers).’

3. Procedure

1. The analyst prepares a microscope slide with cells from a cultured specimen.
2. A substance is applied to expose the DNA in the cells.
3. A molecular probe labeled with a fluorescent tag specific to the DNA sequence of interest is applied to the specimen.
4. The probe hybridizes with the complementary site on the chromosome, forming a double-stranded DNA molecule.
5. Excess material is washed away, and the sample is examined using fluorescence microscopy.
6. The presence, absence, or position of the particular DNA sequence is determined by the glowing dots produced by the fluorescent tags.
7. Three to five cells are analyzed for the presence of chromosomal abnormalities such as derivatives or markers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88272 is performed when there is a need to analyze three to five cells for genetic abnormalities using chromosomal in situ hybridization. This test is typically ordered by clinicians to check for chromosomal defects, including congenital disorders such as cri du chat syndrome.

5. When to use CPT code 88272

CPT code 88272 should be used when analyzing three to five cells using chromosomal in situ hybridization. It is important to note that this code is not appropriate for analyzing a larger number of cells. For analysis of 10 to 30 cells, CPT code 88273 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88272, the analyst must document the following information:

• Details of the patient’s sample, including the source (amniotic fluid or blood)
• The specific genetic abnormalities being tested for (derivatives and markers)
• Date and time of the analysis
• Results of the analysis, including the presence or absence of chromosomal abnormalities
• Signature of the analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88272, ensure that the analysis is performed on three to five cells using chromosomal in situ hybridization. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to consider any additional codes that may need to be reported in conjunction with CPT 88272. For example, if analyzing 10 to 30 cells, CPT code 88273 should be used instead.

8. Historical information

CPT 88272 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 performing chromosomal in situ hybridization on three cells from amniotic fluid to detect genetic abnormalities.
2. An analyst analyzing five cells from a blood sample using chromosomal in situ hybridization to identify markers and derivatives.
3. An analyst performing FISH on three cells from a cultured specimen to detect chromosomal rearrangements.
4. An analyst analyzing four cells from amniotic fluid using chromosomal in situ hybridization to identify genetic abnormalities.
5. An analyst performing chromosomal in situ hybridization on five cells from a blood sample to detect markers and derivatives.
6. An analyst analyzing three cells from a cultured specimen using FISH to identify chromosomal abnormalities.
7. An analyst performing chromosomal in situ hybridization on four cells from amniotic fluid to detect genetic abnormalities.
8. An analyst analyzing five cells from a blood sample using chromosomal in situ hybridization to identify markers and derivatives.
9. An analyst performing FISH on three cells from a cultured specimen to detect chromosomal rearrangements.
10. An analyst analyzing four cells from amniotic fluid using chromosomal in situ hybridization to identify genetic abnormalities.