2025 CPT code 88152
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Cytopathology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Cytopathology slide analysis; manual and computer-assisted rescreening.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of service, such as the place of service or the use of assistants. Consult the CPT manual for specific modifier application guidelines.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of symptoms suggestive of cervical or vaginal pathology, abnormal prior screening results, or as part of routine preventive care following established guidelines.For example, women who have never had a pap smear need a Pap smear at age 21, then according to the guidelines of their physician.
The clinical responsibility lies with the cytotechnologist for the technical aspects of the analysis (manual and computer-assisted screening) under the supervision of a physician (pathologist). The ordering physician is responsible for medical decision-making based on the results.
In simple words: This lab test involves a detailed look at cells from the cervix or vagina under a microscope.A technician examines the cells manually, then uses a computer to double-check the results. This is often used for Pap smears.
This CPT code, 88152, represents the technical component of cervical or vaginal cytopathology slide analysis involving both manual microscopic examination and computer-assisted rescreening, performed under physician supervision.The procedure entails a cytotechnologist manually reviewing the slide, followed by a computer-assisted review of the same slide.This is typically done for Pap smears but may also be used with other cytology specimens from the cervix or vagina. The code does not include the professional interpretation of the results; a separate CPT code is used for physician interpretation of abnormal findings (e.g., 88141).
Example 1: A 25-year-old female undergoes a routine Pap smear as part of her annual gynecological exam. The cytology lab uses code 88152 to bill for the manual and computer-assisted screening of the slide., A 40-year-old female presents with abnormal vaginal bleeding. A Pap smear is ordered, and the resulting slide is processed using 88152, as the initial screening revealed some concerning cells needing confirmation through computer analysis., A 60-year-old female with a history of HPV infection undergoes a colposcopy with directed biopsies.A Pap smear is also collected and processed using 88152, as the initial manual screening showed abnormalities requiring further analysis.
Patient demographics, date of service, specimen collection method, type of specimen (cervical/vaginal), microscopic analysis results (manual and computer-assisted), physician interpretation report (if abnormal), and any additional relevant clinical information.
** This code is for the technical component only; a separate code is required for physician interpretation of results.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: Information not provided in source.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable; this code represents the entire technical component of the procedure.
- Fee Schedule: Data not provided in source.
- Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pathology
- Place of Service:Laboratory