2025 CPT code 88143
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Cytopathology Screening Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Cytopathology; cervical or vaginal specimen in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation; manual screening and rescreening under physician supervision.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service, such as the place of service or the nature of the screening (e.g., preventive versus diagnostic). Consult current CPT modifier guidelines.
Medical necessity for this test is established based on the patient's age, risk factors (family history of cervical cancer, prior abnormal Pap smears), and clinical presentation (vaginal bleeding, discharge, etc.).Screening guidelines vary; compliance with those guidelines is crucial for medical necessity determination.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst for the technical aspects of the test (specimen preparation, screening, and rescreening) under the supervision of a physician (usually a pathologist) who interprets the results.
In simple words: This lab test examines cells from the cervix or vagina.The sample is prepared using a special machine, then checked twice under a microscope by a lab technician to look for abnormalities.A doctor oversees the process.
This CPT code, 88143, represents the technical component of a cytopathology procedure involving a cervical or vaginal specimen. The specimen is collected in preservative fluid and processed using automated thin layer preparation.The procedure includes manual microscopic screening and rescreening of the prepared slides by a laboratory analyst under physician supervision.The reporting system used (e.g., Bethesda or other) is not specified in the code itself.This code reflects two manual screenings conducted by the analyst.
Example 1: Annual well-woman exam including Pap smear., Follow-up Pap smear after an abnormal result from a previous test., Patient presents with vaginal bleeding or discharge; Pap smear ordered to rule out malignancy.
* Patient demographics and relevant history.* Detailed description of the specimen collection method.* Confirmation of the use of preservative fluid and automated thin layer preparation.* Documentation of the two manual screenings performed by the analyst, noting any discrepancies or findings.* Physician's interpretation of the results and any subsequent diagnostic or therapeutic steps.
** This code is specifically for manual screening and rescreening; automated systems should use other applicable CPT codes.Always refer to the most up-to-date CPT manual and payer guidelines for accurate billing and coding practices.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: This information requires access to specific payer fee schedules and may vary significantly.
- Global Days: Not applicable
- Payment Status: Active (as of 03 December 2024)
- Modifier TC rule: This code represents the technical component; a professional interpretation code (e.g., 88141) would be billed separately with an appropriate modifier if the interpretation is performed by a physician.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary widely and are not included in this response. Consult specific payer fee schedules and relative value unit data for historical and current information.
- Specialties:Pathology, Gynecology, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center, Clinical Laboratory