2025 CPT code 88273
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Cytogenetic Studies Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Molecular cytogenetics: chromosomal in situ hybridization, analyzing 10-30 cells (e.g., for microdeletions).
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the service.Consult current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of clinical indications suggestive of chromosomal abnormalities. These include advanced maternal age during pregnancy, family history of genetic disorders, abnormal prenatal ultrasound findings, unexplained developmental delays, or suspicion of a hematologic malignancy.The test assists in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning.
The clinical laboratory scientist or cytogeneticist performs the technical aspects of the test, including sample preparation, probe application, hybridization, microscopy, and analysis.A pathologist or geneticist typically interprets the results and provides a clinical report.
In simple words: This lab test uses special techniques to look for problems in a person's chromosomes.It checks a small number of cells for missing or extra pieces of chromosomes, which might be causing a genetic disorder. The results help doctors diagnose and manage medical conditions.
This CPT code encompasses the performance of a molecular cytogenetic test utilizing chromosomal in situ hybridization (CISH) techniques.The procedure involves the analysis of 10 to 30 cells, typically obtained from amniotic fluid, blood, or tissue samples.Methods such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are employed to detect genetic abnormalities, including microdeletions (the loss of a small chromosomal segment). The analyst prepares the sample, applies fluorescent probes to specific DNA sequences, incubates, washes, and analyzes the sample using fluorescence microscopy to identify the presence, absence, or location of targeted DNA sequences. Results are used to detect chromosomal abnormalities relevant to inherited disorders and other conditions.
Example 1: A pregnant woman undergoes amniocentesis, and the obtained cells are analyzed using FISH to screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)., A patient with suspected leukemia has bone marrow cells analyzed via FISH to detect specific chromosomal translocations associated with certain leukemias., A patient with a family history of a specific microdeletion syndrome undergoes a CISH test to determine if they carry the deletion.
Physician’s order specifying the test, patient demographics, sample type and source, date and time of collection, and any relevant clinical history or family history.Lab report indicating the specific probes used, the number of cells analyzed, and the results obtained.Microscopic images may be included to support findings.
** The specific probes used in the FISH or CISH analysis will impact the interpretation of results and should be documented.Different probes are used to target different chromosomal abnormalities.Further testing might be necessary depending on the results obtained. Always adhere to the appropriate laboratory guidelines.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: Information not available in provided source.
- Global Days: Not applicable
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided source.
- Specialties:Medical Genetics, Cytogenetics, Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hematology/Oncology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Clinical Laboratory