2025 CPT code 88381
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Surgical Pathology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Manual microdissection of a microscopically identified target for sample preparation.
Modifiers 26 (professional component) and TC (technical component) may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances and who performs the procedure.
Medical necessity for microdissection is established when it is required to isolate specific cells or tissue components for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, such as determining the type or grade of cancer, identifying specific genetic mutations, or performing flow cytometry analysis.
A pathologist or other qualified provider performs the microdissection.
In simple words: This medical code describes a lab procedure where a specialist carefully separates specific cells or tissue from a sample under a microscope to get a cleaner sample for testing.
CPT code 88381 represents the manual microdissection of a microscopically identified target tissue or cell sample.This procedure involves the meticulous separation of specific cells or tissues from surrounding material using a microscope and fine instruments. The purpose is to prepare a pure sample for subsequent molecular analysis, genetic testing, or detailed microscopic examination.The procedure may be performed on fresh specimens, paraffin-embedded tissue, or frozen sections.
Example 1: A pathologist performs a microdissection on a lymph node biopsy to isolate cancerous cells for genetic analysis to determine the specific type of cancer and guide treatment., A surgeon removes a suspicious skin lesion. The pathologist performs a microdissection to isolate cancer cells for immunohistochemical staining to confirm the diagnosis and determine the grade of the malignancy., A bone marrow biopsy is obtained. Microdissection is utilized to isolate specific cell populations (e.g., hematopoietic stem cells) for flow cytometry analysis and diagnosis of hematologic malignancies.
* Patient demographics and relevant medical history.* Detailed description of the specimen received for microdissection (including source, size, and any relevant clinical information).* Documentation of the microdissection process, including the specific areas or cells isolated.* Report indicating the method used and the final sample prepared.* Any additional testing performed on the isolated sample.
** Accurate coding requires meticulous documentation of the microdissection procedure and the subsequent tests performed on the isolated sample.Always refer to the most recent CPT and NCCI guidelines for accurate coding and reimbursement practices.
- Revenue Code: T1G (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text.Refer to the most 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: Modifier TC may apply if the technical component of the service (the actual physical microdissection) is performed by a separate entity or laboratory.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data is not available in the provided sources. Refer to past CMS fee schedules for this information.
- Specialties:Pathology, Oncology, Hematology
- Place of Service:Hospital laboratory, reference laboratory, independent laboratory, physician's office