2025 CPT code 88377
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory - Surgical Pathology Procedures Feed
Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative), manual, per specimen; each multiplex probe stain procedure.
Modifiers 26 (Professional Component) and TC (Technical Component) are applicable to this code.
Medical necessity is determined by the clinical indication for the test.The documentation should support the need for the ISH study to guide diagnosis or treatment.
The lab analyst performs the technical steps of preparing the stained slides using the ISH technique. The pathologist interprets the stained slides, performs the morphometric analysis, and prepares the report for the ordering clinician.
In simple words: This test uses special stains to look at specific parts of DNA or RNA in a tissue sample.It helps doctors understand diseases like cancer by counting the number of specific markers found in the sample.
This procedure involves applying a single multiplex in situ hybridization (ISH) probe stain on a slide or slides prepared from a single patient specimen, such as tumor tissue. A qualified provider, typically a pathologist, then evaluates the stained slides, manually counting or estimating the number and location of probes.It is used for quantitative or semi-quantitative analysis and includes both the technical and professional components of the service. The code is reported once per specimen regardless of the number of blocks or slides prepared.
Example 1: A patient has a breast biopsy and the physician orders an ISH study to evaluate the HER2 gene status. Code 88377 is reported for the multiplex ISH stain performed., A patient with suspected cervical cancer has a biopsy, and the physician orders an ISH study for HPV. Code 88377 is reported for each multiplex probe stain procedure performed., A patient has a tissue sample evaluated for lymphoma using multiple probes. Each multiplex ISH is reported using 88377.
Documentation should include the type of specimen, the specific probe(s) used, the results of the analysis (including quantitative or semi-quantitative values), and the pathologist's interpretation.
- Revenue Code: T1H - LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE)
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is applicable when billing for only the technical component of the procedure.
- Specialties:Pathology, Oncology, Genetics
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Office, Outpatient Hospital