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BETA v.3.0

2025 CPT code 38220

Diagnostic bone marrow aspiration(s).

Report only once per encounter regardless of the number of aspirations at the same site.

Modifier 59 may be applicable if aspirations are performed at separate sites.

Medical necessity must be established by the patient's clinical condition and the need for diagnostic information obtained from the bone marrow.

The physician prepares the patient, inserts a needle into the bone marrow, aspirates the sample, and controls bleeding at the site.

IMPORTANT:Do not report 38220 with 38221 if performed at the same site and during the same encounter. For bone marrow aspiration for bone graft, spine surgery only, use 20939. For bone marrow aspirations for platelet-rich stem cell injection, use 0232T.

In simple words: The doctor inserts a needle into the bone, usually in the chest or hip, and withdraws a small amount of bone marrow for testing. This procedure is done to diagnose blood disorders or other diseases.

Aspiration of bone marrow for diagnostic purposes. This code includes any number of aspirations performed during the same encounter.

Example 1: A patient presents with unexplained anemia. A bone marrow aspiration is performed to evaluate the bone marrow for abnormalities., A patient with leukemia undergoes a bone marrow aspiration to monitor disease progression., A patient is suspected of having lymphoma. A bone marrow aspiration is performed to assess for bone marrow involvement.

Documentation should include the reason for the aspiration, site of aspiration, description of the procedure, and any complications.

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