2025 CPT code 88174
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Laboratory - Cytopathology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Automated screening of cervical or vaginal cytopathology specimens collected in preservative fluid, using automated thin layer preparation; under physician supervision.
Modifiers may apply depending on circumstances, such as the place of service or if the service is performed by multiple providers.Consult current CPT guidelines.
Medical necessity for this procedure is typically established through routine screening guidelines for cervical cancer, follow-up of abnormal prior results, or investigation of symptoms such as vaginal discharge or bleeding.The necessity should be supported by appropriate clinical documentation.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory personnel for performing the technical aspects of the test, which includes specimen preparation and automated screening, under the supervision of a physician who interprets the results.
In simple words: This lab test analyzes cells from a woman's cervix or vagina. The cells are collected in a special liquid, made into a thin layer on a slide, and then checked by a machine under a doctor's supervision.This helps detect abnormal or pre-cancerous cells.
This CPT code, 88174, represents the technical component of a cytopathology procedure involving cervical or vaginal specimens.The procedure begins with specimen collection in preservative fluid, followed by automated thin-layer preparation to create a monolayer slide.An automated system then screens the prepared slides under the supervision of a physician.The reporting system used (e.g., Bethesda or other) is not specified by the code.Manual screening or rescreening is not included.
Example 1: Annual gynecological exam:A 35-year-old woman undergoes a routine Pap smear as part of her annual checkup. The specimen is collected in preservative fluid and processed using code 88174., Follow-up after abnormal Pap smear: A 40-year-old woman with a previous abnormal Pap smear result has a follow-up test. The specimen is collected in preservative fluid and processed using code 88174 to monitor for changes., Investigation of vaginal discharge: A 28-year-old woman presents with abnormal vaginal discharge. A Pap smear is ordered, with the specimen collected in preservative fluid and processed using code 88174 to help determine the cause.
Patient demographics, date of service, specimen collection method, type of preservative fluid used, confirmation of automated thin-layer preparation, documentation of automated screening method, physician's supervision confirmation, and the final report including the reporting system utilized (Bethesda or other).
** The code does not specify the reporting system, although Bethesda system is commonly used.The physician's interpretation of results (if abnormal) should be reported using a separate CPT code (e.g., 88141).
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: Information not available in provided source.
- Global Days: Not applicable
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable. This code represents the technical component.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided source.
- Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pathology, Cytology
- Place of Service:Laboratory