2025 CPT code 88173
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Cytopathology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Evaluation of a fine needle aspirate (FNA) specimen; includes preparation, interpretation, and report.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances, such as modifier 59 for distinct procedural service if multiple procedures are performed on separate specimens obtained on the same day.Consult the most up-to-date CPT manual for specific modifier guidance.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a clinical indication for FNA cytology.This could include, but is not limited to, investigation of suspicious masses, palpable abnormalities, or diagnostic uncertainty.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs the technical steps of analyzing the FNA specimen, interpreting the results, and generating the report. The clinician is responsible for obtaining the specimen via fine needle aspiration.
In simple words: The lab tests a sample taken with a thin needle (fine needle aspirate). They look at the cells under a microscope, figure out what they mean, and give a report to the doctor.
This CPT code encompasses the comprehensive analysis of a fine needle aspirate (FNA) specimen.The process involves the preparation of the specimen (which may include smearing or other techniques), microscopic evaluation of the cells, interpretation of the cytological findings, and generation of a detailed report communicating the results to the ordering physician.The specimen source can vary, including but not limited to breast cysts, lymph nodes, salivary glands, and thyroid glands.This code is specifically for the laboratory analysis and does not include the procedure of obtaining the FNA sample.
Example 1: A patient presents with a palpable thyroid nodule.A fine needle aspiration is performed, and the specimen is sent to the lab for analysis using code 88173. The cytology report helps determine whether further investigation or intervention is needed., A breast mass is detected during a routine mammogram.A fine needle aspiration biopsy is conducted, and the resulting specimen is analyzed using 88173 to evaluate for malignancy., A patient has enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. A fine needle aspirate is performed, and code 88173 is used to analyze the sample to determine the cause of the lymphadenopathy (e.g., infection, malignancy).
* Patient demographics and relevant medical history.* Detailed description of the procedure, including the site(s) aspirated.* Information on the method of specimen preparation.* Microscopic findings and interpretations.* Final diagnostic report clearly communicating the results.
** Ancillary studies may be available upon request.This code describes the laboratory analysis; the procedure of obtaining the FNA sample is coded separately.
- Revenue Code: T1G (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- RVU: Information not available in provided sources.
- Global Days: Not applicable.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided sources. Consult payer-specific fee schedules.
- Specialties:Pathology, Oncology, Hematology, Cytopathology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center, Laboratory