2025 CPT code 88233
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Cytogenetic Studies Pathology and Laboratory Procedures Feed
Tissue culture for non-neoplastic disorders; skin or other solid tissue biopsy.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service. Consult the CPT manual and payer guidelines for specific modifier application rules.
Medical necessity is established when there's a clinical indication requiring cell culture to obtain sufficient cells for further genetic or cytogenetic testing.This could be due to insufficient tissue from the original biopsy, or a need for specific pre-analytical preparation of the sample.
The clinical responsibility lies with the laboratory personnel who perform the tissue culture and subsequent analysis.The ordering physician is responsible for medical necessity and interpretation of results.
In simple words: The lab grows cells from a tissue sample (like a skin biopsy) to get enough cells for further testing. This is done for conditions that are not cancerous. The lab workers place the sample in a special solution that encourages the cells to multiply, and then prepare the sample for additional tests.
This CPT code encompasses the procedure of culturing cells from a skin or other solid tissue biopsy obtained from a patient with a non-neoplastic disorder.The procedure involves the technical steps of transferring the tissue sample to a growth medium, incubating it under controlled conditions (typically 37°C) to promote cell proliferation, and allowing the cells to reach metaphase for further analysis (e.g., flow cytometry). This process is commonly used to increase the number of cells for subsequent testing in various non-neoplastic conditions. The process aims to increase the number of cells available for further testing, such as chromosomal analysis, in cases where the initial biopsy sample provides insufficient material.
Example 1: A patient presents with a skin lesion of unknown etiology. A biopsy is performed, and the tissue is sent to the lab for cell culture to obtain sufficient cells for genetic analysis to rule out a chromosomal abnormality., Following a spontaneous abortion, fetal tissue is sent for cell culture and karyotyping to identify any chromosomal abnormalities that may have contributed to the miscarriage., A patient undergoes a biopsy of an unusual mass. The pathologist requires a sufficient number of cells for detailed cytogenetic analysis; therefore, cell culture is performed prior to analysis.
* Patient demographics and relevant medical history.* Indication for the procedure (clinical suspicion of chromosomal abnormality, etc.).* Detailed description of the biopsy site and tissue sample.* Date and time of the biopsy.* Laboratory report containing the results of the cell culture and subsequent tests.
** The provided information is limited.Consult the official CPT manual and payer-specific guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date coding information.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: Information not available in provided sources.RVUs vary based on geographic location and other factors. Consult the appropriate payer's fee schedule for the most accurate information.
- Global Days: Information not available in provided sources.Global period may apply depending on the context. Further research required.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Information not available in provided sources.This depends on the specific circumstances. Consult the CPT manual and payer guidelines.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided sources. Consult historical CPT fee schedules or payer-specific data for historical fee information.
- Specialties:Pathology, Cytogenetics, Genetics, Obstetrics and Gynecology (in case of fetal tissue)
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Laboratory