2025 CPT code 88162
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Laboratory - Cytopathology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Cytopathology smear analysis involving more than five slides and/or multiple stains.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service. Consult the CPT manual and local payer guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established by the physician's clinical judgment based on the patient's symptoms, physical examination findings, and other diagnostic tests indicating the need for a comprehensive cytopathologic examination to rule out malignancy or other significant conditions. The number of slides and stains required will depend on the complexity of the case and the suspicion of specific abnormalities.
The clinical responsibility lies primarily with the laboratory analyst who performs the technical aspects of the test, including slide preparation and staining. The ordering physician is responsible for obtaining the specimen and interpreting the results.
In simple words: The lab tests a sample of cells spread on more than five slides, possibly using multiple stains to better identify any problems.
This CPT code, 88162, represents the cytopathologic examination of smears from any source, requiring an extended study due to the presence of more than five slides and/or the need for multiple staining techniques.The procedure encompasses the technical analysis performed by a laboratory analyst, excluding specimen collection and interpretation by a physician.This code is utilized when no other, more specific code applies for the type of specimen.It is distinct from codes 88160 and 88161, which cover less extensive analyses.
Example 1: A patient presents with persistent cough and hemoptysis.The physician orders sputum cytology.The lab receives numerous slides (more than five) requiring multiple stains (Gram stain, acid-fast stain, and special stains) for a thorough analysis of the cellular components and identification of any infectious organisms or malignant cells., Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of a suspicious thyroid nodule yields a sample requiring processing and examination on multiple slides (more than five) with varied stains (e.g., Papanicolaou, hematoxylin and eosin, and special stains) to fully characterize the cellular morphology and detect any malignancy or other abnormalities., A patient undergoes bronchoscopy for evaluation of persistent lung lesions. Bronchial washings are collected and examined.Several slides (more than five) are prepared, and multiple stains are necessary to fully assess the cellular components for signs of infection, inflammation, or malignancy.
* Properly labeled specimen with patient identifiers.* Detailed requisition specifying the clinical indication for the test.* Number of slides processed.* Staining techniques used.* Microscopic findings with detailed description of cellular morphology.* Final diagnosis or interpretation.
** Code 8834T may be used in conjunction with 88162 when digitalization of glass microscope slides is performed. For aerosol collection of sputum, use code 89220. For specific special stains, refer to codes 88312-88314.Always code to the highest level of specificity.
- Revenue Code: T1G (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code will vary based on geographic location and other factors.Consult a local fee schedule or your payer's specific guidelines for the most accurate information.Remember to consider both professional and technical components if applicable.
- Global Days: Not applicable; this is a laboratory procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The technical component (TC) modifier (-TC) may be appended to this code depending on payer and practice guidelines.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules are variable.Historical data is difficult to access comprehensively.Refer to specific databases containing historical billing data for this code.
- Specialties:Pathology, Cytology, Oncology, Pulmonology, Hematology
- Place of Service:Laboratory, Hospital (Inpatient/Outpatient), Physician's Office