How To Use CPT Code 88367

CPT 88367 describes the initial single probe stain procedure for morphometric analysis using computer-assisted technology in situ hybridization (ISH). 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 88367?

CPT 88367 can be used to describe the initial single probe stain procedure for morphometric analysis using computer-assisted technology in situ hybridization (ISH). This code is used when a lab analyst applies an ISH stain on a slide or slides prepared from a single patient specimen, such as tumor tissue. The lab analyst then processes the slides using computer-assisted technology to count or estimate the number of probes. A qualified provider, typically a pathologist, evaluates the stained slides and the results of the computer enumeration to provide a pathologic diagnosis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88367 is: ‘Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative), using computer-assisted technology, per specimen; initial single probe stain procedure.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares stained slides from the patient specimen, such as tumor tissue, using the in situ hybridization (ISH) stain process.
2. The lab analyst cuts and mounts the tissue onto slides and adds reagents to prepare the slides to receive the stain.
3. The lab analyst applies the initial single probe stain, which includes a DNA or RNA probe that selectively attaches to a target segment of DNA or RNA in the patient tissue.
4. The lab analyst uses computer-assisted technology to locate and enumerate the probes on the slides.
5. The pathologist examines the probe-stained slides under a microscope and combines the observation with the computer enumeration results to report the findings, such as a quantitative value or a semiquantitative value representing a clinically significant range of probes in tumor cells.
6. The pathologist interprets the findings to reach a pathologic diagnosis and prepares a report for the ordering clinician.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88367 is used for morphometric analysis using computer-assisted technology in situ hybridization (ISH) when the lab analyst applies an initial single probe stain on slides prepared from a single patient specimen. This procedure is typically performed on tumor tissue or other specimens to aid in the diagnosis of certain cancers. The pathologist evaluates the stained slides and the results of the computer enumeration to provide a pathologic diagnosis.

5. When to use CPT code 88367

CPT code 88367 should be used when the lab analyst performs the initial single probe stain procedure for morphometric analysis using computer-assisted technology in situ hybridization (ISH). This code is appropriate for cases where a pathologic diagnosis is needed and the lab analyst applies the ISH stain on slides prepared from a single patient specimen. It should not be used for qualitative ISH stains, which have separate codes in the range 88364 to 88366.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88367, the documentation should include:

• Details of the patient specimen, such as tumor tissue
• Description of the ISH stain process used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Results of the computer enumeration
• Pathologist’s interpretation and pathologic diagnosis
• Signature of the pathologist

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88367, ensure that the lab analyst performs the initial single probe stain procedure for morphometric analysis using computer-assisted technology in situ hybridization (ISH). 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 component, append modifier TC to the code. If billing only for the professional component, append modifier 26 to the code. It is important to note that CPT code 88367 should not be reported with other codes in the range 88364 to 88377.

8. Historical information

CPT code 88367 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2005. There have been historical changes to the code, including code changes in 2008 and 2015. The current description reflects the most recent update.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst applies the initial single probe stain procedure for morphometric analysis using computer-assisted technology in situ hybridization (ISH) on slides prepared from a patient’s tumor tissue to aid in the diagnosis of breast cancer.
2. A pathologist examines probe-stained slides under a microscope and combines the observation with the computer enumeration results to report the findings for a patient with cervical cancer.
3. A lab analyst prepares stained slides from a patient’s tumor tissue and applies the initial single probe stain procedure for morphometric analysis using computer-assisted technology in situ hybridization (ISH) to aid in the diagnosis of lung cancer.
4. A pathologist interprets the findings of the initial single probe stain procedure for morphometric analysis using computer-assisted technology in situ hybridization (ISH) on slides prepared from a patient’s tumor tissue to provide a pathologic diagnosis for a patient with pancreatic cancer.
5. A lab analyst uses computer-assisted technology to locate and enumerate the probes on slides prepared from a patient’s tumor tissue during the initial single probe stain procedure for morphometric analysis using computer-assisted technology in situ hybridization (ISH) to aid in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.