2025 CPT code 88346
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Immunofluorescence Surgical Pathology Procedures Feed
Immunofluorescence, per specimen; initial single antibody stain procedure.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service.Consult the CPT codebook for specific guidance on appropriate modifier usage for this code.
Medical necessity is established when the ordering physician has clinical suspicion for an autoimmune disorder or infectious disease that may be diagnosed or monitored through immunofluorescence testing.The test should be medically appropriate based on patient history, clinical presentation, and other diagnostic data.
The clinical responsibility lies with the pathologist or laboratory personnel who perform the immunofluorescence study, interpret the results, and report them to the ordering physician.
In simple words: This lab test uses special dyes and a microscope to check a tissue sample for signs of an autoimmune disease or infection.It looks for specific proteins that indicate these conditions.
This CPT code represents the initial single antibody stain procedure in an immunofluorescence study performed on a tissue or cellular specimen.The procedure involves applying and evaluating slides, staining the specimen with a fluorescently labeled antibody (e.g., IgA, IgM, or IgG), incubating to allow antibody-antigen binding, washing away excess antibody, drying the slides, and viewing them under a fluorescence microscope to identify specific diseases based on binding patterns and antibody type.This may be used to detect autoimmune diseases or infectious organisms.
Example 1: A patient presents with a suspected autoimmune disorder like lupus. A skin biopsy is taken, and the specimen is sent to the lab for immunofluorescence testing using an antibody specific to antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Code 88346 is used to bill for the initial test., A patient has a skin lesion suspicious for fungal infection.A biopsy is taken, and immunofluorescence testing is performed using antibodies against various fungi. Code 88346 is used to report the initial single stain for each organism tested. If multiple fungal antibodies are used, then +88350 should be added for each additional antibody., A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune blistering disease. A skin biopsy is performed, and immunofluorescence is used to assess the presence of antibodies at the dermal-epidermal junction. Code 88346 reflects the initial testing of the sample for the primary immunofluorescent antibody.
Detailed pathology report including the type of immunofluorescence test performed (direct or indirect), the specific antibody used, the results (positive or negative), and any relevant microscopic findings.The report should also include patient demographics and relevant clinical information.
** Code 88346 is specifically for the initial single antibody stain procedure.Additional antibody stains on the same specimen are reported using add-on code +88350.Accurate documentation is crucial for proper reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: T1G (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not typically applicable to this code as it represents professional interpretation of results.
- Specialties:Pathology, Dermatology, Rheumatology, Infectious Disease
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital, Laboratory