How To Use CPT Code 88749

CPT 88749 describes an unlisted in vivo laboratory service that is not represented by any specific code. 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 88749?

CPT 88749 can be used to report an unlisted in vivo laboratory service that does not have a specific code. This code is used when the service performed on a living body is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88749 is: ‘Unlisted in vivo (eg, transcutaneous) laboratory service.’

3. Procedure

1. The analyst performs an in vivo laboratory service, such as a transcutaneous service through the skin, that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88749 can be used when the in vivo laboratory service performed on a living body does not have a specific code. This code should be used when there is no other appropriate CPT code available to accurately describe the service provided.

5. When to use CPT code 88749

CPT code 88749 should be used when there is no specific code available to accurately describe the unlisted in vivo laboratory service performed on a living body. It is important to note that this code should only be used when there is no other appropriate CPT code that closely approximates the service provided.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88749, it is important to provide a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code. Include one or more similar codes and compare the service provided to those codes to justify the claim amount being billed. Additionally, include the operative notes or other relevant documentation to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial. Payers will consider claims with unlisted procedure codes on a case-by-case basis and determine payment based on the documentation provided.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88749, it is important to submit a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code. Include one or more similar codes and compare the service provided to those codes to justify the claim amount being billed. Additionally, include the operative notes or other relevant documentation to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial. Payers will consider claims with unlisted procedure codes on a case-by-case basis and determine payment based on the documentation provided.

8. Historical information

CPT 88749 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. An analyst performing an unlisted in vivo laboratory service to measure a specific hormone level in a patient.
2. A healthcare professional conducting an unlisted in vivo laboratory service to assess the effectiveness of a new drug on a patient’s condition.
3. A researcher performing an unlisted in vivo laboratory service to study the metabolic activity of a specific organ in a living subject.
4. A technician conducting an unlisted in vivo laboratory service to measure the concentration of a specific substance in a patient’s body.
5. An analyst performing an unlisted in vivo laboratory service to evaluate the presence of a specific biomarker in a patient’s blood sample.
6. A healthcare professional conducting an unlisted in vivo laboratory service to assess the function of a specific organ in a living subject.
7. A researcher performing an unlisted in vivo laboratory service to study the effects of a new treatment on a patient’s cellular activity.
8. A technician conducting an unlisted in vivo laboratory service to measure the electrical activity of a specific organ in a living subject.
9. An analyst performing an unlisted in vivo laboratory service to evaluate the genetic composition of a patient’s cells.
10. A healthcare professional conducting an unlisted in vivo laboratory service to assess the presence of a specific pathogen in a patient’s body.