2025 CPT code 88350
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Immunofluorescence Pathology and Laboratory Procedures > Surgical Pathology Procedures Feed
Immunofluorescence; each additional single antibody stain procedure on a specimen.This is an add-on code and requires a primary procedure code.
Modifiers may apply depending on the specific circumstances. Refer to the CPT manual and payer guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established when there is a clinical indication to determine the presence of specific antigens or antibodies.This could be for the diagnosis of autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, or other conditions where immunofluorescence is an appropriate diagnostic tool.The ordering physician must justify the medical necessity in the clinical record.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory personnel who perform the immunofluorescence staining and microscopic analysis.The ordering physician is responsible for interpreting the results in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and ordering appropriate tests.
In simple words: This lab test uses special dyes and microscopes to identify substances in a tissue sample. This code is added to the bill only if more than one type of dye is used after an initial test.
This CPT code, 88350, represents each additional single antibody stain procedure performed using immunofluorescence on a tissue or cellular specimen. It is an add-on code, meaning it must be reported in conjunction with a primary procedure code such as 88346 (initial single antibody stain) to accurately reflect the complete service.The procedure involves applying and evaluating a fluorescently labeled antibody to detect specific antigens indicative of autoimmune disorders or infectious organisms. The technique includes staining, incubation, washing, and microscopic examination to identify binding patterns and antibody types.
Example 1: A patient presents with a suspected autoimmune disorder. A skin biopsy is performed, and immunofluorescence testing is ordered. The initial test (88346) is positive for IgG antibodies; additional testing with other antibodies (88350) is performed to further characterize the antibodies and assist in diagnosis., A patient has a suspicious lesion.A biopsy is sent to pathology. The pathologist initially uses one antibody in an immunofluorescent study (88346). Additional antibodies are used in follow-up studies to confirm the diagnosis (88350)., A patient presents with a suspected fungal infection. A skin biopsy is taken, and immunofluorescence is used to identify the presence of fungal antigens.After an initial antibody stain (88346), additional stains (88350) are used to increase the accuracy of identification.
* Patient demographics and relevant clinical information* Indication for the test (e.g., suspected autoimmune disease, infectious organism)* Specimen type (e.g., tissue biopsy, blood sample)* Date and time of specimen collection* Number and type of antibodies used* Microscopic examination results and interpretations* Final diagnosis and report.
** * Code 88350 is reported separately in addition to the primary procedure code (e.g., 88346).* The number of units reported should correspond to the number of additional antibody stains performed.*This code can be used with 0846T when digitization of glass microscope slides is performed.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: The RVUs for this code will vary depending on the payer and geographic location.Consult your specific payer's fee schedule.
- Global Days: Not applicable; this is a laboratory procedure, not a surgical procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (Technical Component) is not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by payer and location; consult the relevant fee schedule for the historical data.
- Specialties:Pathology, Dermatology, Rheumatology, Infectious Disease
- Place of Service:Laboratory