2025 CPT code 88380
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures > Surgical Pathology Procedures Feed
Microdissection (i.e., sample preparation of microscopically identified target); laser capture.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances. Common modifiers include 26 (professional component), 59 (distinct procedural service), and 91 (repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test).
Medical necessity should be established by the clinical indication for the additional testing requiring the precise cell isolation provided by laser capture microdissection. The supporting documentation should justify why this technique is necessary over other less complex methods.
In simple words: This procedure involves using a laser to carefully collect specific cells from a tissue sample under a microscope.These cells can then be used for further testing.
This code describes a laboratory procedure where a technician uses a laser to isolate and remove specific cells from a microscopic tissue section. The tissue specimen can be from any source and is often frozen or embedded in paraffin before the procedure. The technician places the specimen under a microscope equipped with a laser and then uses the laser to capture the target cells. This process allows for precise isolation of cells for further study, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other amplification techniques.
Example 1: A patient has a suspected melanoma. A biopsy is taken, and the pathologist uses laser capture microdissection (LCM) to isolate the melanoma cells from the surrounding tissue to perform molecular analysis and determine the genetic profile of the tumor., A researcher is studying the effects of a new drug on specific neurons in the brain. Brain tissue samples are obtained, and LCM is used to isolate the neurons of interest for further analysis., A patient has a lung biopsy showing an unusual pattern of cells. The pathologist uses LCM to isolate these cells for genetic testing to rule out a rare genetic disorder.
Documentation should include a detailed description of the specimen, the specific cells targeted by LCM, and the purpose of the microdissection. The report should also mention any special techniques or equipment used during the procedure.
- Revenue Code: T1H - LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE)