How To Use CPT Code 88313

CPT 88313 describes the procedure for a special stain, including interpretation and report, for Group II identification. 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 88313?

CPT 88313 can be used to describe a special stain procedure, including interpretation and report, for Group II identification. This code is used when a qualified provider, typically a pathologist, performs the technical lab steps to stain a specimen slide with a special stain for Group II identification. The provider then interprets the slide and issues a report based on the results. It is important to note that this code does not include staining for microorganisms, enzyme constituents, or for the antigen-antibody tests of immunochemistry or immunohistochemistry.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88313 is: ‘Special stain including interpretation and report; Group II, all other (eg, iron, trichrome), except stain for microorganisms, stains for enzyme constituents, or immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs the technical lab steps to stain a specimen slide with a special stain for Group II identification.
2. A qualified provider, typically a pathologist, interprets the stained slide and issues a report based on the results.
3. This procedure is performed on each surgical pathology block, cytologic specimen, or hematologic smear that requires a special stain for Group II identification.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88313 is used when a special stain is necessary to aid in the diagnostic process and a routine stain will not suffice. It is typically performed when a provider is trying to identify elements present in a specimen. This code is not limited to a specific condition and can be used for various types of specimens.

5. When to use CPT code 88313

CPT code 88313 should be used when a special stain, including interpretation and report, is performed for Group II identification. It is important to note that routine stains, such as hematoxylin and eosin, are not reported separately as they are part of the surgical pathology or cytology service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88313, the following documentation is required:

• Identification of the specimen requiring the special stain
• Details of the special stain performed, including the specific stain used
• Interpretation of the stained slide by a qualified provider
• Issuance of a report based on the interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88313, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified provider and that the special stain is necessary for Group II identification. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with other codes for staining microorganisms, enzyme constituents, or for immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Review the range of surgical pathology procedures (88300-88399) for additional codes related to special stains.

8. Historical information

CPT 88313 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been several updates to the code since its addition, with the most recent update occurring on January 1, 2012.

9. Examples

1. A pathologist performs a special stain on a surgical pathology block to identify iron deposits.
2. A cytotechnologist stains a cytologic specimen with a trichrome stain to aid in the identification of certain elements.
3. A hematologist stains a hematologic smear with a special stain to assist in the diagnosis of a blood disorder.
4. A pathologist interprets a stained slide of a surgical pathology block and issues a report based on the results.
5. A cytotechnologist performs a special stain on a cytologic specimen to aid in the identification of abnormal cells.
6. A hematologist stains a hematologic smear with a special stain to identify specific cell types.
7. A pathologist interprets a stained slide of a surgical pathology block and provides a detailed report on the findings.
8. A cytotechnologist performs a special stain on a cytologic specimen to assist in the diagnosis of a specific condition.
9. A hematologist stains a hematologic smear with a special stain to aid in the identification of certain cell abnormalities.
10. A pathologist interprets a stained slide of a surgical pathology block and provides a comprehensive report on the results.