How To Use CPT Code 88346

CPT 88346 describes the procedure of immunofluorescence using a single antibody stain to detect autoimmune disease or infectious organisms in a tissue or cellular sample. 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 88346?

CPT 88346 can be used to describe the procedure of immunofluorescence using a single antibody stain to detect autoimmune disease or infectious organisms in a tissue or cellular sample. This code is used when an analyst applies and evaluates slides for an initial specific antibody stain, typically using fluorescently labeled antibodies to bind to specific antigens indicating autoimmune disorders or infectious agents.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88346 is: ‘Immunofluorescence, per specimen; initial single antibody stain procedure.’

3. Procedure

1. An analyst performs an immunofluorescent study using a single antibody stain procedure on a tissue or cellular sample.
2. The analyst applies a solution containing fluorescently labeled antibodies, typically IgA, IgM, or IgG, to the specimen.
3. During an incubation period, the antibodies bind to specific antigens indicating autoimmune disorders or infectious agents.
4. The analyst removes excess antibody during a washing phase, dries the slides, and views them using a fluorescence microscope.
5. The analyst identifies specific diseases by distinctive binding patterns and the type of antibody detected.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88346 is used when there is a need to detect autoimmune disease or infectious organisms in a tissue or cellular sample. This procedure is typically ordered by clinicians to help diagnose autoimmune disorders or detect infectious agents. The analyst performing the procedure applies and evaluates slides for an initial specific antibody stain using fluorescently labeled antibodies.

5. When to use CPT code 88346

CPT code 88346 should be used when an analyst performs an immunofluorescent study using a single antibody stain procedure on a tissue or cellular sample. This code is appropriate when the procedure involves the application and evaluation of slides for an initial specific antibody stain using fluorescently labeled antibodies.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88346, the analyst must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the immunofluorescent study
• Details of the specific antibody stain procedure used
• Date and time of the procedure
• Results and interpretation of the study
• Signature of the analyst performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88346, ensure that the procedure involves the application and evaluation of slides for an initial specific antibody stain using fluorescently labeled antibodies. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and report any additional codes if necessary. For subsequent antibody immunofluorescence studies on the same specimen, report add-on code +88350.

8. Historical information

CPT 88346 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later changed on January 1, 2016, to ‘Immunofluorescent study, each antibody; direct method.’

9. Examples

1. An analyst performs an immunofluorescent study using a single antibody stain procedure on a tissue sample to detect autoimmune disease.
2. A cellular sample is analyzed using immunofluorescence with a single antibody stain procedure to identify infectious organisms.
3. During an immunofluorescent study, an analyst applies and evaluates slides for an initial specific antibody stain to detect autoimmune disease in a tissue sample.
4. An analyst performs immunofluorescence using a single antibody stain procedure on a cellular sample to identify infectious agents.
5. Using immunofluorescence, an analyst applies and evaluates slides for an initial specific antibody stain procedure on a tissue sample to detect autoimmune disorders.
6. An immunofluorescent study is conducted on a cellular sample using a single antibody stain procedure to detect infectious organisms.
7. An analyst performs immunofluorescence on a tissue sample using a single antibody stain procedure to identify autoimmune disease.
8. During an immunofluorescent study, a cellular sample is analyzed using a single antibody stain procedure to detect infectious agents.
9. An analyst applies and evaluates slides for an initial specific antibody stain procedure on a tissue sample to detect autoimmune disorders using immunofluorescence.
10. Immunofluorescence is used to analyze a cellular sample with a single antibody stain procedure to identify infectious organisms.