2025 CPT code 88239
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Laboratory - Cytogenetic Studies Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Tissue culture for neoplastic disorders; solid tumor.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service. Refer to the CPT manual for guidance on modifier usage.
Medical necessity for code 88239 is established when there is a clinical indication for cytogenetic testing, such as suspicion of a neoplastic disorder or need to monitor disease progression. The ordering physician must document the appropriate clinical criteria justifying the need for this testing.
The clinical responsibility lies with the pathologist or laboratory personnel who perform the tissue culture, chromosome preparation, and analysis. The ordering physician is responsible for appropriate medical decision-making based on the results.
In simple words: The lab grows cells from a solid tumor in the body to help diagnose cancer.They put the tumor cells in a special solution that makes them multiply, then study the cells to find out more about the cancer.
This CPT code encompasses the tissue culture of a solid tumor to increase the number of cells for further analysis in neoplastic disorders. The procedure involves transferring cells from a solid tumor to a flask containing a growth medium, incubating the flask under controlled conditions (e.g., 37°C) to promote cell reproduction.The process aims to prepare the cells for subsequent testing, such as metaphase chromosome preparation, G-banding, and/or flow cytometry, to aid in the diagnosis and management of neoplastic conditions like Ewing's sarcoma or rhabdomyosarcoma.Additional staining techniques may be utilized as needed.
Example 1: A patient presents with a bone tumor suspected to be Ewing's sarcoma.A biopsy is performed, and tissue is sent to the lab for culture and cytogenetic analysis using code 88239.The results will help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions., A patient with a soft tissue mass undergoes a biopsy, and the tissue is sent to the lab for culture and cytogenetic analysis (88239).The results are used to differentiate between various types of soft tissue sarcomas (such as rhabdomyosarcoma) and help determine the appropriate treatment strategy., A patient with a previously diagnosed cancer has a follow-up biopsy, and the tissue is submitted for culture and cytogenetic analysis (88239). The results may provide insights into disease progression, response to treatment, or the presence of any new chromosomal abnormalities.
* Patient demographics and relevant medical history.* Complete clinical indication for the testing.* Detailed description of the tissue sample (e.g., source, size, fixation).* Date and time of sample collection and receipt in the lab.* Laboratory report including results of cytogenetic analysis.* Any additional staining techniques used.* Physician's order and interpretation of the results.
** The information provided here is for guidance only. Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and payer-specific guidelines for accurate coding and reimbursement.This code should be used only when the specific procedures performed are not covered by other more specific CPT codes.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code are not available in this dataset. Please refer to your local payer's fee schedule for current reimbursement rates.
- Global Days: Not applicable
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule information is not available in this dataset.Consult your local payer's fee schedule for historical reimbursement rates.
- Specialties:Pathology, Oncology, Hematology
- Place of Service:Laboratory