2025 CPT code 88121
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures - Cytopathology Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Cytopathology, in situ hybridization (e.g., FISH), urinary tract specimen with morphometric analysis, 3-5 molecular probes, each specimen; using computer-assisted technology.
Modifiers may be applicable, such as 26 (professional component) or TC (technical component) depending on who performs the different parts of the test.
Medical necessity must be established for this test.Documentation should support the clinical indication for the test, linking it to the patient's symptoms, history, and overall clinical picture.The information provided by the test must be necessary for diagnosis, treatment planning, or ongoing management of the patient's condition.
The clinical responsibility for ordering and interpreting the test results typically falls to the physician managing the patient's condition, such as a urologist or oncologist. The laboratory personnel are responsible for the technical performance of the test.
In simple words: This is a sophisticated lab test performed on a urine sample to look for abnormalities in the cells. It uses special probes that light up specific parts of the cells, and a computer helps to analyze the results. This test is often used to check if bladder cancer has come back.
This code represents a cytopathology procedure involving in situ hybridization (ISH), often using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), on a urinary tract specimen.It includes morphometric analysis using 3-5 molecular probes and computer-assisted technology. The procedure involves fixing the specimen to a slide, hybridizing it with labeled molecular probes, and then using computer-assisted technology to analyze the results, including counting and assessing target cell structures. This test is often used to detect chromosomal abnormalities, particularly in cases of suspected bladder cancer recurrence.
Example 1: A patient with a history of bladder cancer presents with hematuria.A urine specimen is collected and sent for 88121 testing to evaluate for possible recurrence., A patient undergoing surveillance for bladder cancer has a routine urine cytology (88112) performed. If the cytology is atypical, 88121 may be ordered for further evaluation., A patient with suspected bladder cancer has a urine specimen collected for cytology and FISH analysis using 88121 to aid in diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.
Documentation should include the reason for the test (e.g., suspected bladder cancer recurrence, atypical urine cytology), the type of specimen collected (urine), the number of probes used, and the method of analysis (computer-assisted). The interpretation of the results by a qualified physician should also be documented.
- Revenue Code: T1H - LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE)
- Specialties:Urology, Oncology, Pathology
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Outpatient Hospital, Office