CPT® Code 0756T | Case2Code

Official Description

Digitization of glass microscope slides for special stain, including interpretation and report, group I, for microorganisms (eg, acid fast, methenamine silver) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 0756T refers to the process of digitizing glass microscope slides specifically for special stains, which includes the interpretation and reporting of the findings. This procedure is categorized under group I for microorganisms, such as those identified through acid-fast or methenamine silver stains. The digitization process involves scanning glass microscope slides into a digital format, allowing the captured images to be stored either on a local computer server or within a cloud-based archive. This digital transformation facilitates further examination by remote pathologists or through the use of computer algorithms, which can assist in providing a pathologic diagnosis. The slides that undergo this digitization are typically prepared from various samples, including surgical biopsy tissues, cytology cell samples, blood, or other bodily substances, aimed at detecting microorganisms. The special stains utilized in this process are crucial for identifying specific pathogens, such as mycobacteria responsible for tuberculosis, nocardia bacteria, and certain protozoa like cryptosporidium. It is important to report code 0756T in conjunction with a group I special stain for microorganism examination when the digitization of slides occurs simultaneously with the acquisition of a pathological diagnosis, distinguishing it from direct visualization and ensuring that it is not reported separately.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 0756T is indicated for the examination of microorganisms through special staining techniques. The following conditions and scenarios warrant the use of this procedure:

Detection of Mycobacteria This includes the identification of pathogens that cause tuberculosis and other related diseases.
Identification of Nocardia Bacteria This is crucial for diagnosing infections caused by nocardia species.
Detection of Protozoa This includes identifying protozoan infections, such as those caused by cryptosporidium.

2. Procedure

The digitization of glass microscope slides for special stains involves several key procedural steps, which are outlined as follows:

Preparation of Slides Initially, glass microscope slides are prepared by applying special stains to samples obtained from surgical biopsies, cytology cell samples, blood, or other bodily substances. These stains are essential for highlighting specific microorganisms present in the samples.
Scanning of Slides Once the slides are prepared, they are scanned into a digital slide imaging system. This process converts the physical slides into a digital format, allowing for high-resolution images to be captured and stored securely.
Storage of Digital Images The digitized images are then stored on a local computer server or within a cloud-based archive. This storage solution ensures that the images can be easily accessed for further analysis and interpretation.
Interpretation and Reporting After digitization, the images can be examined by remote pathologists or analyzed using computer algorithms. The findings are then interpreted, and a report is generated, detailing the results of the examination.

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 reference. Pathologists may review the images remotely, and any necessary follow-up interpretations or additional testing can be conducted based on the findings reported. It is essential to maintain the integrity of the digital files and ensure compliance with any relevant data management and privacy regulations.

Short Descr	DGTZ GLS MCRSCP SLD SPC GRPI
Medium Descr	DGTZ GLASS MCRSCP SLD SPEC STAIN GRP I MICROORG
Long Descr	Digitization of glass microscope slides for special stain, including interpretation and report, group I, for microorganisms (eg, acid fast, methenamine silver) (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	9

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

88312

MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q1 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Special stain including interpretation and report; Group I for microorganisms (eg, acid fast, methenamine silver)

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
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.
GW	Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
T5	Right foot, great toe
T9	Right foot, fifth digit
TA	Left foot, great toe