2025 CPT code 88184
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Laboratory - Cytopathology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Flow cytometry, technical component; first marker.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service. Consult current CPT and payer guidelines. Examples include modifier 90 (reference laboratory) or 91 (repeat test).
Medical necessity for flow cytometry is determined based on clinical suspicion of a specific hematological malignancy, immune deficiency, or infectious disease, and is supported by the patient’s history, physical examination and other diagnostic tests. The choice of markers used must be clinically justified based on the suspected diagnosis.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory analyst who performs the technical aspects of the flow cytometry test, preparing the sample and operating the flow cytometer. The ordering physician is responsible for medical decision-making based on the results.
In simple words: This lab test uses a machine called a flow cytometer to examine cells in a sample (like blood or tissue). It helps doctors diagnose illnesses by identifying specific cell types, such as those involved in cancer or immune problems. This code is for the initial analysis with only one marker.
This CPT code encompasses the technical component of a flow cytometry procedure using a cell surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear marker to characterize cells.The procedure aids in diagnosing various conditions, including cancers and immune dysfunctions.The code includes only the analysis of the first marker used.
Example 1: A patient presents with suspected acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A bone marrow aspirate is sent to the lab for flow cytometry with CD33 marker (first marker) to identify AML cells., A patient with a history of lymphoma undergoes flow cytometry to monitor the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody therapy. The initial analysis is performed using a single cell surface marker., A patient with suspected immunodeficiency disorder has peripheral blood tested by flow cytometry to characterize lymphocyte subsets. The first marker used is CD4, to assess T helper cells.
* Physician's order specifying the test and the marker used.* Patient demographics and relevant clinical history.* Properly labeled and prepared specimen.* Flow cytometry report including gating strategy, marker details and results interpretation.
** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and payer guidelines for complete coding instructions.Ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation to support medical necessity.
- Revenue Code: T1G (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- RVU: Information not available in provided text.Consult the most recent Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for RVU values.
- Global Days: Not applicable to laboratory procedures.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Technical Component (TC) modifier is inherent to this code, as it solely represents the technical work performed by the lab.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided text. Consult historical Medicare Physician Fee Schedules or other relevant fee schedules for past payment rates.
- Specialties:Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, Pathology
- Place of Service:Laboratory, Hospital (Inpatient/Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center