2025 CPT code 88187
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Cytopathology Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Flow cytometry interpretation; 2 to 8 markers.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service.For example, modifier -91 might be used if the test was repeated.Consult current modifier guidelines for specific situations.
Medical necessity is established when flow cytometry is ordered based on a clinical indication such as suspected hematologic malignancy, immunodeficiency, or monitoring of disease.Documentation must support the need for the test based on the patient's clinical presentation and history.
The pathologist's clinical responsibility includes reviewing the flow cytometry data (2-8 markers), providing an interpretation, and explaining the clinical significance of the results to help guide patient care.
- Pathology and Laboratory
- 88187 falls under the broader category of Cytopathology Procedures within the Pathology and Laboratory section of CPT codes.It is specifically for the interpretation of flow cytometry with a specified number of markers.
In simple words: This code covers a doctor's (usually a pathologist) review of a flow cytometry test.This test uses lasers and light to look at cells and find certain markers that might indicate cancer or other diseases. The doctor interprets the test results to help in diagnosis.
This CPT code reports the professional interpretation of flow cytometry results, specifically for studies involving 2 to 8 markers.The pathologist reviews and evaluates the flow cytometry data, providing an interpretation and explanation of the clinical significance of the findings. Flow cytometry uses light scatter and lasers to identify specifically tagged or marked sections of cells or cellular DNA, which can help diagnose conditions like cancer or leukemia.
Example 1: A patient presents with suspected lymphoma. A bone marrow aspirate is sent for flow cytometry analysis. The pathologist interprets the results (using 5 markers) showing a monoclonal population of abnormal lymphocytes, consistent with a diagnosis of lymphoma., A patient with unexplained leukocytosis undergoes peripheral blood flow cytometry (7 markers). The pathologist's interpretation reveals an abnormal immunophenotype indicative of acute myeloid leukemia., A patient with a history of CLL has a flow cytometry test (3 markers) performed to monitor disease progression.The pathologist's interpretation shows minimal residual disease.
Complete patient history, relevant clinical information, details of the flow cytometry testing including specific markers used, and the pathologist's comprehensive interpretation and explanation of the results, including clinical correlation.
** Each unique marker should be counted only once, even if used in multiple tubes or for gating. Refer to payer-specific guidelines and LCDs (Local Coverage Determinations) for further information on reimbursement and coding rules.This code should only be reported when the pathologist performs the interpretation. The technical component is billed separately using codes 88184 and 88185.
- Revenue Code: T1G (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- RVU: The relative value units (RVUs) for this code will vary depending on the payer and geographic location.Consult the specific payer's fee schedule for the most accurate information.
- Global Days: This code does not have a global period associated with it as it represents only the professional interpretation of a flow cytometry study.The global period applies to the technical component (codes 88184 and 88185).
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier -TC is not required for the interpretation of flow cytometry (professional component). It is used for the technical component (codes 88184 and 88185).
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data is not provided. Check with the relevant payer for historical fee schedule information.
- Specialties:Hematology, Oncology, Pathology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital, Laboratory