2025 CPT code 88108
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Laboratory - Cytopathology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Cytopathology; concentration technique; smears and interpretation (e.g., Saccomanno technique).
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the service.Consult the CPT manual for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for code 88108 is established based on clinical suspicion of a disease process requiring cytopathological evaluation.This includes cases where a fluid sample is collected from various body sites for the detection of malignant, infectious, or inflammatory conditions.
A pathologist or other qualified medical professional trained in cytopathology is responsible for performing this procedure.The clinical responsibility includes specimen processing, smear preparation, microscopic examination, and interpretation of the results, which are then communicated to the ordering physician for clinical decision-making.
In simple words: This lab test looks at cells from a fluid sample (not from the cervix or vagina) to check for diseases. The lab technician concentrates the cells, makes slides, looks at them under a microscope, and gives a report to the doctor.
This CPT code encompasses cytopathologic examination of fluid specimens using a concentration technique, followed by smear preparation and microscopic interpretation.The procedure involves concentrating cells from a liquid sample (excluding cervical or vaginal fluids), preparing smears, staining (if necessary), microscopic examination, and interpretation of the findings.Examples of specimens include bronchial washings, cerebrospinal fluid, and pericardial fluid.The technique employed may be similar to the Saccomanno technique.
Example 1: A patient undergoes a bronchoscopy, and bronchial washings are collected.These washings are sent to the laboratory for cytopathologic evaluation using code 88108 to assess for any cancerous or precancerous cells., A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of pleural effusion.Pleural fluid is obtained through thoracentesis, and the fluid is sent to the lab for analysis using code 88108 to identify the cause of the effusion (e.g., infection, malignancy)., A patient with suspected malignancy undergoes a pericardiocentesis, and pericardial fluid is collected and analyzed using code 88108 to help in the diagnosis and staging of the cancer.
* Complete patient demographics and relevant medical history.* Detailed description of the specimen source (e.g., bronchial washing, pleural fluid).* Method of specimen collection.* Date and time of specimen collection and receipt in the lab.* Microscopic description of the cellular findings.* Diagnostic interpretation with specific diagnoses, if applicable.* Physician's signature and date.
** This code is utilized for non-cervical and non-vaginal fluid specimens.The concentration technique is an essential component of this procedure.Always ensure proper documentation to support medical necessity.
- Revenue Code: T1G (LAB TESTS - OTHER (MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: Information not available in provided source.Consult the current Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for RVU values.
- Global Days: Not applicable. This is a laboratory procedure, not a surgical procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The technical component (TC) modifier is not usually applicable to this code, as it is typically performed in a laboratory setting.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided sources. Consult payer-specific fee schedules and historical data.
- Specialties:Pathology, Oncology, Pulmonology, Hematology, Cytopathology
- Place of Service:Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Independent Laboratory, Office