2025 CPT code 88360
Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures > Surgical Pathology Procedures Feed
Morphometric analysis, tumor immunohistochemistry (e.g., Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor), quantitative or semiquantitative, per specimen, each single antibody stain procedure; manual.
Modifiers 26 (Professional Component) and TC (Technical Component) can be used to specify whether the service includes only the professional interpretation or only the technical preparation of the slides, respectively.
Medical necessity is determined by the clinical indication for the test. The specific antibody used should be relevant to the suspected diagnosis and influence treatment decisions or prognosis. Documentation supporting the medical necessity of the IHC staining should be present in the patient's medical record.
The lab analyst performs the technical aspects of preparing the stained slides, including cutting, mounting, and staining the tissue sample with the specific antibody. The pathologist then analyzes the stained slides under a microscope, manually counting or estimating the number of stained cells (morphometric analysis). They interpret the results, provide a pathologic diagnosis, and create a report for the ordering clinician.
In simple words: This test analyzes a tissue sample by staining it with a special dye that helps identify specific substances within the cells. A pathologist then examines the stained sample under a microscope to count or estimate the number of marked cells. This information helps determine the presence and extent of certain diseases, especially cancer.
This code represents the laboratory analysis of a single specimen using a manual, quantitative or semiquantitative immunohistochemical (IHC) stain. The process involves staining the specimen with a single antibody, followed by manual counting or estimation of stained cells by a pathologist. This morphometric analysis aids in diagnosis and treatment planning, particularly in cases like cancer, by identifying specific antigens like Her-2/neu, estrogen, or progesterone receptors.The service includes both the technical preparation of the slides and the professional interpretation by the pathologist. Note: Use code 0763T in conjunction with 88360 when digitization of glass microscope slides is performed.
Example 1: A patient with a suspected breast cancer undergoes a biopsy. The tissue sample is sent for IHC staining with an antibody for estrogen receptor (ER) to determine the presence and quantity of ER in the tumor cells, which helps guide treatment decisions., A patient with a suspected melanoma has a biopsy taken. The sample is stained with an antibody for Her-2/neu to assess the aggressiveness of the tumor and determine appropriate therapy., A patient with a suspected lymphoma undergoes a biopsy. IHC staining with an antibody for a specific cell marker is used to classify the lymphoma subtype, guiding treatment strategies.
Documentation should include the type of specimen submitted, the specific antibody used for staining, the results of the morphometric analysis (quantitative or semiquantitative), and the pathologist's interpretation of the findings, including the diagnosis.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (Technical Component) can be appended to 88360 if billing only for the technical preparation of slides by the lab analyst.
- Specialties:Pathology, Oncology, Dermatology, Hematology/Oncology
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Office, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center