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Official Description

Digitization of glass microscope slides for level IV, surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 0753T refers to the process of digitizing glass microscope slides specifically for level IV surgical pathology, which includes both gross and microscopic examination. This procedure involves converting traditional glass slides into a digital format, allowing for enhanced accessibility and analysis. The digitization process entails scanning the slides, which captures high-resolution images that can be stored either on a local computer server or in a cloud-based archive. This digital transformation facilitates further examination by pathologists who may be located remotely, as well as the application of advanced computer algorithms that assist in providing accurate pathologic diagnoses. The information derived from these digital images can be effectively managed and interpreted within an evolving image-based environment, promoting improved diagnostic capabilities. It is important to note that CPT® Code 0753T should be reported separately in addition to the code for the primary procedure when the digitization of slides occurs concurrently with a level IV gross and microscopic surgical pathology examination. This distinction is crucial as it highlights the additional service provided through the digitization process, which is not performed separately from the primary examination.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The digitization of glass microscope slides using CPT® Code 0753T is indicated for the following scenarios:

  • Pathologic Diagnosis This procedure is performed to facilitate the acquisition of a pathologic diagnosis through enhanced examination methods.
  • Remote Examination It allows pathologists to examine slides remotely, improving access to expert analysis regardless of location.
  • Utilization of Computer Algorithms The digitization process supports the use of computer algorithms that can assist in diagnosing conditions based on the scanned images.

2. Procedure

The procedure for digitizing glass microscope slides involves several key steps that ensure the accurate conversion of physical slides into a digital format:

  • Preparation of Slides Initially, the glass microscope slides must be prepared for scanning. This involves ensuring that the slides are clean and free from any debris that could interfere with the imaging process.
  • Scanning of Slides Once prepared, the slides are placed into a digital slide imaging system. The scanning process captures high-resolution images of both the gross and microscopic features of the specimens on the slides.
  • Storage of Digital Images After scanning, the images are stored on a local computer server or within a cloud-based archive. This storage solution allows for easy access and management of the digital images for future examination.
  • Facilitation of Remote Review The digitized images can then be reviewed by pathologists remotely, enabling them to conduct thorough examinations without the need for physical access to the slides.
  • Integration with Diagnostic Tools The digital format allows for the integration of advanced diagnostic tools, including computer algorithms that can analyze the images and assist in providing a pathologic diagnosis.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for the digitization of glass microscope slides primarily involves ensuring that the digital images are securely stored and easily accessible for future use. There are no specific recovery considerations for the slides themselves, as the digitization process does not alter the physical slides. However, it is essential to maintain the integrity of the digital files and ensure that they are backed up appropriately. Additionally, pathologists may need to follow up with further analysis or consultations based on the findings from the digitized images, which can be done remotely.

Short Descr DGTZ GLS MCRSCP SLD LEVEL IV
Medium Descr DGTZ GLASS MCRSCP SLD LEVEL IV SURG PATH
Long Descr Digitization of glass microscope slides for level IV, surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 3 - Technical Component Only Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 16

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

88305 MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q1 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Level IV - Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination Abortion - spontaneous/missed Artery, biopsy Bone marrow, biopsy Bone exostosis Brain/meninges, other than for tumor resection Breast, biopsy, not requiring microscopic evaluation of surgical margins Breast, reduction mammoplasty Bronchus, biopsy Cell block, any source Cervix, biopsy Colon, biopsy Duodenum, biopsy Endocervix, curettings/biopsy Endometrium, curettings/biopsy Esophagus, biopsy Extremity, amputation, traumatic Fallopian tube, biopsy Fallopian tube, ectopic pregnancy Femoral head, fracture Fingers/toes, amputation, non-traumatic Gingiva/oral mucosa, biopsy Heart valve Joint, resection Kidney, biopsy Larynx, biopsy Leiomyoma(s), uterine myomectomy - without uterus Lip, biopsy/wedge resection Lung, transbronchial biopsy Lymph node, biopsy Muscle, biopsy Nasal mucosa, biopsy Nasopharynx/oropharynx, biopsy Nerve, biopsy Odontogenic/dental cyst Omentum, biopsy Ovary with or without tube, non-neoplastic Ovary, biopsy/wedge resection Parathyroid gland Peritoneum, biopsy Pituitary tumor Placenta, other than third trimester Pleura/pericardium - biopsy/tissue Polyp, cervical/endometrial Polyp, colorectal Polyp, stomach/small intestine Prostate, needle biopsy Prostate, TUR Salivary gland, biopsy Sinus, paranasal biopsy Skin, other than cyst/tag/debridement/plastic repair Small intestine, biopsy Soft tissue, other than tumor/mass/lipoma/debridement Spleen Stomach, biopsy Synovium Testis, other than tumor/biopsy/castration Thyroglossal duct/brachial cleft cyst Tongue, biopsy Tonsil, biopsy Trachea, biopsy Ureter, biopsy Urethra, biopsy Urinary bladder, biopsy Uterus, with or without tubes and ovaries, for prolapse Vagina, biopsy Vulva/labia, biopsy
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
T5 Right foot, great toe
T9 Right foot, fifth digit
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2023-01-01 Added Code added.
Code
Description
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