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Official Description

Blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell harvesting for transplantation, per collection; autologous

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 38206 refers to the process of blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell harvesting specifically for transplantation purposes, where the collection is autologous, meaning the cells are sourced from the patient's own blood. This procedure involves the removal of whole blood from the donor, which in this case is the patient themselves. The collected blood is then processed using a specialized machine designed to separate hematopoietic progenitor cells from other components of the blood, such as plasma and red blood cells. Once the hematopoietic progenitor cells are isolated, the remaining blood components are treated appropriately and subsequently reinfused back into the donor's bloodstream. This technique is crucial for patients undergoing treatments that require stem cell transplantation, as it allows for the collection of vital cells that can aid in the recovery of bone marrow function and support the production of blood cells post-transplantation. It is important to note that this code is specifically designated for collections made from the patient's own blood, distinguishing it from other codes that may apply to collections from different donors.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 38206 is indicated for patients who require hematopoietic progenitor cells for transplantation. This may include individuals diagnosed with various hematological conditions or malignancies that necessitate stem cell therapy. The following are specific indications for this procedure:

  • Bone Marrow Disorders Conditions such as aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndromes where the bone marrow fails to produce adequate blood cells.
  • Hematological Malignancies Diseases like leukemia or lymphoma that may require high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation to restore healthy blood cell production.
  • Genetic Disorders Certain inherited blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia, where stem cell transplantation can provide a potential cure.

2. Procedure

The procedure for blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell harvesting involves several critical steps to ensure the effective collection of the necessary cells. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Blood Collection The process begins with the patient being connected to an apheresis machine, which is designed to collect specific blood components. Whole blood is drawn from the patient, typically through a vein in the arm, and is directed into the apheresis machine.
  • Step 2: Cell Separation Inside the apheresis machine, the drawn blood undergoes a separation process. This machine utilizes centrifugation to differentiate the hematopoietic progenitor cells from other blood components. The specific gravity of the cells allows for their isolation, while the remaining components, such as plasma and red blood cells, are separated out.
  • Step 3: Collection of Progenitor Cells Once the hematopoietic progenitor cells are isolated, they are collected into a sterile bag for further processing or storage. This collection is crucial as these cells will be used for the patient's transplantation.
  • Step 4: Reintegration of Remaining Blood Components After the collection of the progenitor cells, the remaining blood components that were separated are treated and reinfused back into the patient. This step is essential to ensure that the patient maintains adequate blood volume and composition post-procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the harvesting procedure is completed, patients are typically monitored for any immediate reactions or complications. It is common for patients to experience mild side effects such as fatigue or lightheadedness due to the blood collection. Post-procedure care may include hydration and rest to aid recovery. Patients are also advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the next steps in their treatment plan, including the timing of the transplantation and any additional therapies that may be required. Continuous monitoring of blood counts may be necessary to ensure that the patient’s blood cell levels return to normal following the reinfusion of the remaining blood components.

Short Descr HARVEST AUTO STEM CELLS
Medium Descr BLD-DRV HEMATOP PROGEN CELL HRVG TRNSPLJ AUTOL
Long Descr Blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell harvesting for transplantation, per collection; autologous
Status Code Restricted Coverage
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 64 - Bone marrow transplant
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AG Primary physician
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
Date
Action
Notes
2003-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2003.
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