2025 CPT code 88148

Automated cervical or vaginal cytopathology smear screening with manual rescreening under physician supervision.

Follow CPT guidelines for cytopathology procedures.Refer to payer-specific guidelines for any additional requirements.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the service. Consult CPT guidelines and payer-specific instructions for appropriate modifier usage.

Medical necessity is established when a Pap smear is indicated for routine screening or when there is a clinical indication such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, a history of cervical dysplasia, or other risk factors for cervical cancer.

The clinical responsibility lies primarily with the laboratory analyst who performs the technical aspects of the screening under physician supervision. The physician is responsible for interpreting the results and providing a diagnosis.

IMPORTANT Other CPT codes (e.g., 88142-88153, 88164-88167, 88174-88175) may be used depending on the specific screening method and reporting system.HCPCS codes (e.g., G0141, G0147, G0148, P3000, P3001, G0123, G0124, G0143, G0144, G0145) exist for Medicare and other payers may have different requirements.

In simple words: A lab technician uses a machine to check a Pap smear (a test for cervical or vaginal cancer). If the machine finds anything possibly wrong, the technician checks it again by hand, under a doctor's supervision.

This CPT code, 88148, represents the technical component of cervical or vaginal cytopathology smear screening.The procedure involves initial automated screening of the smear followed by a manual rescreening by a laboratory analyst under the supervision of a physician. This is typically performed on Pap smears to detect abnormalities. The physician's interpretation of results is billed separately.

Example 1: A 25-year-old female presents for her annual gynecological exam.A Pap smear is collected and sent to the laboratory for automated and manual rescreening using code 88148., A 40-year-old female presents with abnormal vaginal bleeding. A Pap smear is obtained and processed using code 88148 for screening., A 60-year-old female with a history of cervical dysplasia undergoes a routine Pap smear.The results are processed using code 88148.

* Patient demographics and identifying information* Date of service* Type of specimen (cervical or vaginal)* Method of specimen collection* Automated and manual screening results* Physician's interpretation and diagnosis (billed separately)

** Always verify with your payer for their specific requirements and coding guidelines.

  • Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
  • RVU: This information requires access to a specific fee schedule, which is not available in this context. RVUs vary based on geographic location, payer, and other factors.
  • Global Days : Not applicable. This is a laboratory test, not a surgical procedure.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.This is a laboratory test, not a surgical procedure.
  • Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule information is not available in this context. Fee schedules vary widely based on location, payer, and year.
  • Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pathology, Family Medicine
  • Place of Service:Office, Hospital, Clinical Laboratory
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