How To Use CPT Code 88333

CPT 88333 describes the cytologic examination of the initial site during a pathology consultation performed during surgery. 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 88333?

CPT 88333 can be used to describe the cytologic examination of the initial site during a pathology consultation that takes place during surgery. This code is specifically used for touch or squash preps of the initial site, where a small part of the tissue is pressed or touched onto glass slides. The pathologist then quickly stains, examines, or identifies the cells for type or malignancy. This examination provides rapid evaluation of tissue, enabling the pathologist and surgeon to make timely decisions during the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88333 is: ‘Pathology consultation during surgery; cytologic examination (eg, touch prep, squash prep), initial site.’

3. Procedure

1. During a surgical procedure, a consulting pathologist joins the surgical team to provide necessary information about a given specimen.
2. The surgeon obtains a specimen from the initial site.
3. The pathologist touches or presses a small part of the tissue onto glass slides, creating touch or squash preps.
4. The pathologist quickly stains, examines, or identifies the cells on the slides to determine their type or malignancy.
5. The results from the cytologic examination may influence the course of the surgery, such as the decision to remove additional tissue if suspicious cells are found at the margins of a lesion.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88333 is used when a pathology consultation is performed during surgery, specifically for the cytologic examination of the initial site. This code applies to touch or squash preps of the tissue obtained from the initial site. It is important to note that CPT 88333 is used for the initial site only, and additional sites require the use of an add-on code, such as CPT 88334.

5. When to use CPT code 88333

CPT code 88333 should be used when a pathology consultation is performed during surgery, and the pathologist conducts a cytologic examination of the initial site using touch or squash preps. This code is specific to the initial site and should not be used for additional sites. If multiple sites require cytologic examination, the appropriate add-on code, CPT 88334, should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88333, the following documentation is required:

• Identification of the initial site that underwent cytologic examination
• Description of the touch or squash preps performed
• Date and time of the pathology consultation during surgery
• Results of the cytologic examination, including any findings of malignancy or other abnormalities
• Signature of the pathologist who performed the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88333, ensure that the service is performed during a pathology consultation that takes place during surgery. It is important to accurately document the touch or squash preps performed and the results of the cytologic examination. Additionally, if there are additional sites that require cytologic examination, the appropriate add-on code, CPT 88334, should be used. It is crucial to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 88333 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A pathologist performs a cytologic examination of touch preps from the initial site during a pathology consultation for a patient undergoing surgery for a suspicious skin lesion.
2. During a surgical procedure, a pathologist quickly examines squash preps of the initial site to determine the presence of malignancy before the surgeon proceeds further.
3. A consulting pathologist stains and examines touch preps of the initial site during a surgery to provide immediate information on the nature of a tumor.
4. Touch preps from the initial site are examined by a pathologist during a surgery to guide the surgeon in determining the extent of tissue removal.
5. During a surgical procedure, a pathologist performs a cytologic examination of squash preps from the initial site to assess the presence of abnormal cells.
6. A pathologist quickly identifies cells from touch preps of the initial site during a surgery, providing crucial information for the surgeon to make decisions on further tissue removal.
7. Touch preps from the initial site are examined by a pathologist during a surgery to determine the presence of malignancy and guide the surgical approach.
8. During a surgical procedure, a pathologist examines squash preps of the initial site to assess the margins of a lesion and determine the need for additional tissue removal.
9. A consulting pathologist quickly stains and examines touch preps of the initial site during a surgery, providing immediate information on the nature of a tumor and guiding the surgical team.
10. During a surgical procedure, a pathologist performs a cytologic examination of squash preps from the initial site to assess the presence of abnormal cells and guide the surgical approach.