How To Use CPT Code 88275

CPT 88275 describes the process of molecular cytogenetics using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 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 88275?

CPT 88275 can be used to describe the molecular cytogenetic test performed using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 cells. This test is commonly used to identify chromosomal abnormalities in specimens such as bone marrow, lymph nodes, blood, tumors, or amniotic fluid. The test does not require actively dividing or cultured cells, making it a faster and more convenient option for clinicians.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88275 is: ‘Molecular cytogenetics; interphase in situ hybridization, analyze 100-300 cells.’

3. Procedure

1. The analyst performs a molecular cytogenetic test using interphase in situ hybridization.
2. A specimen, such as bone marrow, lymph nodes, blood, tumors, or amniotic fluid, is collected for analysis.
3. The cells from the specimen are placed on a microscope slide.
4. A substance is applied to expose the DNA of the cells.
5. A molecular probe, labeled with a fluorescent tag specific to the DNA sequence of interest, is applied to the cells.
6. The probe hybridizes with the complementary site on the chromosome during an incubation phase.
7. Excess material is washed away, and the sample is examined using fluorescence microscopy.
8. The presence, absence, or position of the DNA sequence of interest is determined based on the presence of fluorescent dots.
9. 100-300 cells are analyzed for the presence of abnormalities.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88275 is used for molecular cytogenetic testing using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 cells. This test is typically performed on specimens such as bone marrow, lymph nodes, blood, tumors, or amniotic fluid. It can be used for various purposes, including identifying inherited or acquired chromosomal abnormalities in patients with conditions such as Down syndrome or different types of cancer. The test can be performed on samples that have been previously tested by other methods or are several months old. It does not require actively dividing or cultured cells, and degraded specimens can still undergo analysis.

5. When to use CPT code 88275

CPT code 88275 should be used when performing molecular cytogenetic testing using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 cells. It is appropriate for specimens such as bone marrow, lymph nodes, blood, tumors, or amniotic fluid. This code should be used when the test is performed to identify chromosomal abnormalities in patients with conditions such as Down syndrome or different types of cancer. It is important to note that this code is specific to the analysis of 100-300 cells, and different codes should be used for a different number of cells analyzed or for metaphase hybridization.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88275, the following documentation is required:

• Indication for the test and the specific condition being evaluated
• Type of specimen analyzed (bone marrow, lymph nodes, blood, tumors, or amniotic fluid)
• Date of the test
• Number of cells analyzed (100-300)
• Results of the analysis, including the presence or absence of abnormalities
• Signature of the analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88275, ensure that the test is performed using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 cells. It is important to select the appropriate code based on the number of cells analyzed and whether metaphase or interphase hybridization was used. It is also important to follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines. It is not appropriate to report CPT 88275 if a different code, such as CPT 88274, is used for analyzing a different number of cells (25-99 cells).

8. Historical information

CPT 88275 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. A molecular cytogenetic test using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 cells is performed on a bone marrow specimen to identify chromosomal abnormalities in a patient with leukemia.
2. A lymph node specimen is analyzed using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 cells to identify chromosomal abnormalities in a patient with lymphoma.
3. A blood sample is tested using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 cells to identify chromosomal abnormalities in a patient with Down syndrome.
4. An amniotic fluid specimen is analyzed using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 cells to identify chromosomal abnormalities in a pregnant patient.
5. A tumor sample is tested using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 cells to identify chromosomal abnormalities in a patient with breast cancer.
6. A bone marrow specimen is analyzed using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 cells to identify chromosomal abnormalities in a patient with multiple myeloma.
7. A blood sample is tested using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 cells to identify chromosomal abnormalities in a patient with a suspected genetic disorder.
8. An amniotic fluid specimen is analyzed using interphase in situ hybridization to analyze 100-300 cells to identify chromosomal abnormalities in a patient undergoing prenatal testing.