How To Use CPT Code 88334

CPT 88334 describes the cytologic examination during surgery, specifically touch or squash preps of each additional site. 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 88334?

CPT 88334 can be used to describe the cytologic examination performed during surgery, specifically touch or squash preps of each additional site. This code is used when a pathologist evaluates cells from tissue samples obtained during a surgical procedure to provide rapid evaluation and aid in making timely decisions during the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88334 is: ‘Pathology consultation during surgery; cytologic examination (eg, touch prep, squash prep), each additional site (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code is an add-on code and should be used in conjunction with other codes for primary procedures.

3. Procedure

1. A consulting pathologist attends the surgical procedure to provide necessary information about a given specimen to aid the surgeon in making decisions during the surgery.
2. The surgeon obtains a specimen during the procedure, and the pathologist performs touch or squash preps by pressing a glass slide to the tissue.
3. Cells from the tissue adhere to the slide, and the pathologist quickly stains, examines, or identifies the cells for type or malignancy.
4. If necessary, the pathologist may prepare additional slides to adequately evaluate the condition.
5. CPT code 88334 is used for each additional site after the first.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88334 is used when a pathologist performs cytologic examination during surgery, specifically touch or squash preps of each additional site. This code is applicable when the pathologist evaluates cells from tissue samples obtained during a surgical procedure to aid in making timely decisions. It is important to note that this code should be used in conjunction with other codes for primary procedures.

5. When to use CPT code 88334

CPT code 88334 should be used when a pathologist performs cytologic examination during surgery, specifically touch or squash preps of each additional site. This code is appropriate when the pathologist evaluates cells from tissue samples obtained during a surgical procedure to provide rapid evaluation and aid in making timely decisions. It is important to use this code in conjunction with other codes for primary procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 88334, the following documentation is required:

• Details of the surgical procedure and the need for cytologic examination
• Specific sites where touch or squash preps were performed
• Date and time of the cytologic examination
• Results of the examination, including any findings or diagnoses
• Signature of the pathologist performing the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 88334, ensure that the pathologist performs cytologic examination during surgery, specifically touch or squash preps of each additional site. This code should be used in conjunction with other codes for primary procedures. It is important to note that payers may require the appropriate add-on code, such as 88331 for frozen section or 88333 for cytologic examination, to be reported along with CPT code 88334. It is also important to report the correct number of additional sites examined.

8. Historical information

CPT code 88334 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A pathologist performing touch preps on additional sites during a surgical procedure to evaluate suspicious cells and determine the need for further tissue removal.
2. A surgeon excising a breast mass and calling a pathologist into the operating room to consult on the lesion. The pathologist examines touch preps from different sites on the excision border to ensure clear margins.
3. A pathologist evaluating touch preps from multiple sites during a surgery to determine the extent of malignancy and guide the surgeon in removing additional tissue.
4. A surgeon performing a biopsy and requesting a pathologist to perform touch preps on additional sites to assess the presence of abnormal cells.
5. A pathologist examining touch preps from various sites during a surgical procedure to identify the type of cells and provide a diagnosis.
6. A surgeon removing a skin lesion and consulting a pathologist who performs touch preps on multiple sites to determine if the lesion is malignant.
7. A pathologist evaluating touch preps from different sites during a surgery to assess the presence of abnormal cells and guide the surgeon in further treatment.
8. A surgeon performing a procedure and requesting a pathologist to perform touch preps on additional sites to ensure complete removal of abnormal cells.
9. A pathologist examining touch preps from various sites during a surgical procedure to determine the extent of malignancy and guide the surgeon in planning further treatment.
10. A surgeon performing a biopsy and consulting a pathologist who performs touch preps on multiple sites to assess the presence of abnormal cells and provide a diagnosis.