2025 CPT code 88387
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Surgical Pathology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Macroscopic examination, dissection, and preparation of tissue for non-microscopic analytical studies (e.g., nucleic acid-based molecular studies); each tissue preparation (e.g., a single lymph node).
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service. Consult the CPT manual and payer guidelines for specific modifier rules.
Medical necessity is established when the non-microscopic analytical studies (e.g., molecular studies) are necessary to establish a diagnosis, guide treatment, or monitor disease progression.This should be documented clearly in the patient's medical record.
The clinical responsibility lies with the pathologist or laboratory personnel who perform the macroscopic examination, dissection, and preparation of the tissue sample for non-microscopic analyses.This ensures the appropriate area is selected and properly prepared for accurate results.
In simple words: The lab technician carefully examines a tissue sample without a microscope, selects the needed part, and prepares it for special tests that don't need a microscope, like genetic testing.This is done very carefully to prevent contamination.If there are multiple parts prepared, each part is billed separately.
This CPT code encompasses the macroscopic examination, dissection, and preparation of tissue specimens for subsequent non-microscopic analytical studies, such as nucleic acid-based molecular studies.The procedure involves a thorough visual inspection of the tissue sample, palpation if necessary, and precise dissection to isolate the specific area needed for analysis.Sterile preparation techniques are crucial to prevent contamination, especially when preparing samples for molecular studies. Each individual tissue preparation, such as a single lymph node, warrants separate reporting of this code. Note that this code excludes preparation for microbiologic cultures or flow cytometric studies.This service is distinct from routine gross examination integral to other surgical pathology codes (88302-88309).
Example 1: A patient undergoes a lymph node biopsy. The pathologist performs macroscopic examination, dissection, and preparation of the lymph node for nucleic acid-based molecular studies to detect the presence of cancer cells., A patient has a skin lesion removed.The pathologist prepares a portion of the lesion for molecular testing to identify a specific genetic mutation related to the suspected diagnosis., During an intraoperative consultation, a frozen section is examined.The pathologist prepares a part of the frozen section specimen for additional molecular testing to guide the surgical approach.
Detailed pathology report specifying the type of tissue examined, the techniques used for preparation (sterile conditions should be noted), and the specific non-microscopic analytical studies performed.Documentation of the number of tissue preparations (e.g., single lymph node, multiple sections).
** This code should only be used when macroscopic preparation is performed specifically for non-microscopic analytical studies.Routine grossing of a specimen that is part of another surgical pathology code (88302-88309) should not be reported separately with this code.
- Revenue Code: M5A (SPECIALIST - PATHOLOGY)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided source.RVUs vary based on geographic location and payer.
- Global Days: Not applicable. This is not a surgical procedure with a global period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable. This is a professional service.
- Fee Schedule: This information is not available in the provided sources.
- Specialties:Pathology
- Place of Service:Laboratory, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center