How To Use CPT Code 88344

CPT 88344 describes the procedure for immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry, per specimen, specifically for each multiplex antibody stain procedure. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 88344?

CPT 88344 can be used to describe the procedure for immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry, per specimen, specifically for each multiplex antibody stain procedure. This code is used when a lab analyst applies a single multiplex antibody stain on a slide or slides prepared from a single patient specimen, such as tumor tissue. A qualified provider, typically a pathologist, then interprets the stained slides to provide a pathologic diagnosis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88344 is: ‘Immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry, per specimen; each multiplex antibody stain procedure.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares stained slides using a specialized stain, either immunohistochemistry (IHC) or immunocytochemistry (ICC), on a specimen such as tissue, aspirated cells, or a blood smear.
2. A multiplex antibody stain is applied to the specimen, which includes more than one antibody and allows the simultaneous evaluation of information from the multiple antibodies.
3. The stained slides are qualitatively interpreted by a pathologist under a microscope to reach a pathologic diagnosis.
4. A report is prepared by the pathologist and provided to the ordering clinician.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88344 is used when a single multiplex antibody stain is applied to a specimen, allowing the simultaneous evaluation of information from multiple antibodies. This procedure is commonly performed to aid in the diagnosis of abnormal cells in conditions such as cancer. It is important to note that this code should not be used for quantitative or semiquantitative IHC or ICC staining, and there are other codes available for those purposes.

5. When to use CPT code 88344

CPT code 88344 should be used when a lab analyst applies a single multiplex antibody stain on a slide or slides prepared from a single patient specimen. This code is specifically for each multiplex antibody stain procedure and should not be used for other types of staining procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88344, the documentation should include:

• Details of the specimen, such as the type and source
• Description of the multiplex antibody stain procedure
• Date of the procedure
• Qualitative interpretation of the stained slides by the pathologist
• Pathologic diagnosis
• Signature of the pathologist

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88344, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a multiplex antibody stain per specimen. This code represents the global service, including both the technical work performed by the lab analyst and the professional work performed by the pathologist. If billing only for the technical work, modifier TC (Technical component) should be appended to the code. If billing only for the professional work, modifier 26 (Professional component) should be appended to the code.

8. Historical information

CPT 88344 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2015. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst applies a multiplex antibody stain on slides prepared from tumor tissue, allowing the pathologist to evaluate multiple antibodies simultaneously for a pathologic diagnosis.
2. A specialized stain is used by the lab analyst on aspirated cells, enabling the pathologist to interpret the stained slides and provide a diagnosis.
3. A blood smear is prepared and stained with a multiplex antibody stain by the lab analyst, allowing the pathologist to qualitatively evaluate the stained cells and reach a diagnosis.
4. The lab analyst applies a multiplex antibody stain on slides prepared from histologic tissue, providing the pathologist with information from multiple antibodies for a comprehensive pathologic diagnosis.
5. A multiplex immunostain is performed by the lab analyst on slides prepared from cytologic specimens, allowing the pathologist to evaluate multiple antibodies and provide an accurate diagnosis.