How To Use CPT Code 88374

CPT 88374 describes the morphometric analysis of in situ hybridization using computer-assisted technology. 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 88374?

CPT 88374 can be used to describe the morphometric analysis of in situ hybridization (ISH) using computer-assisted technology. This code is used when a lab analyst applies a single multiplex ISH probe stain on a slide or slides prepared from a 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 88374 is: ‘Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative), using computer-assisted technology, per specimen; each multiplex probe stain procedure. Notes: (Do not report 88367, 88374 in conjunction with 88365, 88366, 88368, 88377 for the same probe)’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares slides from the patient specimen, such as tumor tissue, using a specialized stain process called in situ hybridization (ISH).
2. The lab analyst applies a single multiplex ISH probe stain on the slides.
3. The lab analyst uses computer-assisted technology to locate and enumerate the probes on the stained slides.
4. The pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and interprets the results, taking into account the computer enumeration, to provide a pathologic diagnosis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88374 is used for quantitative or semi-quantitative ISH stains. It is commonly performed to aid in the diagnosis of certain cancers, such as breast or cervical cancers. The procedure involves the use of multiple probes to detect multiple targets in the patient tissue. The lab analyst must perform the technical steps to prepare the stained slides, and a qualified provider, typically a pathologist, must interpret the slides and provide a pathologic diagnosis.

5. When to use CPT code 88374

CPT code 88374 should be used when a lab analyst applies a single multiplex ISH probe stain on slides prepared from a patient specimen and uses computer-assisted technology to locate and enumerate the probes. This code should be used for each multiplex probe stain procedure performed on a specimen. It should not be reported in conjunction with CPT codes 88365, 88366, 88368, or 88377 for the same probe.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88374, the documentation should include:

• Details of the patient specimen, such as tumor tissue
• Information about the ISH stain process and the specific multiplex probe used
• Date of the procedure
• Results of the computer enumeration of the probes
• Pathologic diagnosis provided by the interpreting pathologist

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88374, ensure that the lab analyst performs the technical steps to prepare the stained slides, and a qualified provider, typically a pathologist, interprets the slides and provides a pathologic diagnosis. If billing for only the technical work, append modifier TC (Technical Component) to the code. If billing for only the professional work, append modifier 26 (Professional Component) to the code. Do not report CPT 88374 in conjunction with CPT codes 88365, 88366, 88368, or 88377 for the same probe.

8. Historical information

CPT 88374 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 single multiplex ISH probe stain on slides prepared from a patient’s tumor tissue. The computer-assisted technology is used to locate and enumerate the probes. The pathologist examines the stained slides and interprets the results to provide a pathologic diagnosis.
2. A lab analyst prepares slides from a patient’s tumor tissue and applies a single multiplex ISH probe stain. The computer-assisted technology is used to locate and enumerate the probes on the stained slides. The pathologist interprets the results and provides a pathologic diagnosis.
3. A lab analyst performs the technical steps to prepare stained slides from a patient’s tumor tissue. A single multiplex ISH probe stain is applied, and the computer-assisted technology is used to locate and enumerate the probes. The pathologist examines the stained slides and interprets the results to provide a pathologic diagnosis.
4. A lab analyst applies a single multiplex ISH probe stain on slides prepared from a patient’s tumor tissue. The computer-assisted technology is used to locate and enumerate the probes. The pathologist interprets the results and provides a pathologic diagnosis.
5. A lab analyst prepares slides from a patient’s tumor tissue and applies a single multiplex ISH probe stain. The computer-assisted technology is used to locate and enumerate the probes on the stained slides. The pathologist examines the slides and interprets the results to provide a pathologic diagnosis.
6. A lab analyst performs the technical steps to prepare stained slides from a patient’s tumor tissue. A single multiplex ISH probe stain is applied, and the computer-assisted technology is used to locate and enumerate the probes. The pathologist interprets the results and provides a pathologic diagnosis.