How To Use CPT Code 88274

CPT 88274 describes the process of molecular cytogenetics using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 25-99 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 88274?

CPT 88274 can be used to describe the molecular cytogenetic test performed using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze a range of 25-99 cells. This code is used when the analyst examines the cells for the presence of fluorescent dots that may indicate chromosomal abnormalities.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88274 is: ‘Molecular cytogenetics; interphase in situ hybridization, analyze 25-99 cells.’

3. Procedure

1. The analyst performs a molecular cytogenetic test using interphase in situ hybridization.
2. Cells from the specimen are placed on a microscope slide and a substance is applied to expose the DNA.
3. A molecular probe, labeled with a fluorescent tag specific to the DNA sequence of interest, is applied to the cells.
4. The probe hybridizes with the complementary site on the chromosome during an incubation phase.
5. Excess material is washed away and the sample is examined using fluorescence microscopy.
6. The presence, absence, or position of the DNA sequence of interest is determined by the presence of fluorescent dots.
7. 25-99 cells are analyzed for the presence of fluorescent dots that may indicate chromosomal abnormalities.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88274 is performed on specimens such as bone marrow, lymph nodes, blood, tumors, or amniotic fluid. The test can be performed on samples that are several months old or have been previously tested by other methods. Interphase in situ hybridization does not require actively dividing or cultured cells, and can be performed on cells fixed in formalin or paraffin, as well as degraded specimens.

5. When to use CPT code 88274

CPT code 88274 should be used when the analyst performs interphase in situ hybridization and analyzes 25-99 cells for the presence of fluorescent dots that may indicate chromosomal abnormalities. This code is appropriate for cases where a range of cells is analyzed, and not specifically 100-300 cells or less than 25 cells.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88274, the analyst must document the following information:

• Specimen type and source
• Method used for interphase in situ hybridization
• Details of the molecular probe used
• Number of cells analyzed (25-99)
• Presence or absence of fluorescent dots indicating chromosomal abnormalities
• Signature of the analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88274, ensure that the test involves the analysis of 25-99 cells using interphase in situ hybridization. It is important to select the appropriate code based on the number of cells analyzed and the method used for hybridization. CPT code 88274 should not be reported with other codes that involve a different range of cells or a different hybridization method.

8. Historical information

CPT 88274 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 interphase in situ hybridization and analyzing 50 cells for the presence of fluorescent dots indicating chromosomal abnormalities.
2. A laboratory technician conducting interphase in situ hybridization and examining 80 cells for the presence of fluorescent dots.
3. A cytogeneticist analyzing 30 cells using interphase in situ hybridization to detect chromosomal abnormalities.
4. An analyst performing interphase in situ hybridization and analyzing 70 cells for the presence of fluorescent dots indicating genetic mutations.
5. A molecular biologist examining 99 cells using interphase in situ hybridization to identify chromosomal defects.
6. A geneticist analyzing 60 cells for the presence of fluorescent dots using interphase in situ hybridization.
7. An analyst performing interphase in situ hybridization and analyzing 40 cells for chromosomal abnormalities.
8. A cytogenetic technologist examining 25 cells using interphase in situ hybridization to detect genetic mutations.
9. A laboratory scientist analyzing 90 cells for the presence of fluorescent dots indicating chromosomal abnormalities using interphase in situ hybridization.
10. An analyst performing interphase in situ hybridization and analyzing 75 cells for the presence of fluorescent dots indicating genetic abnormalities.