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Transplant preparation of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), also known as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), involves the critical process of thawing previously frozen cell harvests for use in stem cell transplantation. These cells, which are derived from blood and bone marrow, possess the unique ability to develop into various types of mature blood cells, including red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. The significance of HPCs lies in their application in treating various malignant neoplasms, such as leukemia and lymphoma, as well as other medical conditions like sickle cell disease. The procedure coded under CPT® 38208 specifically refers to the thawing of these blood-derived HPCs from a single donor, which have been preserved using a cryoprotectant solution and stored at low temperatures to maintain their viability. During the thawing process, the cells are immersed in a heated water bath, allowing for a controlled and effective thawing. Following this, a sample of the thawed cells is obtained for quality assessment, which is conducted by a qualified technician. This assessment may include evaluating the nucleated cell count, performing a differential count, checking cell viability, ensuring sterility, and/or conducting immunophenotyping. After the technician completes the quality assessment, the physician reviews the results to determine the suitability of the HPCs for the intended transplant procedure. It is important to note that CPT® 38209 refers to a similar process where the cells are not only thawed but also washed, which is necessary when multiple aliquots of harvested cells are involved, as it helps to remove excess cryoprotectant that could be toxic at higher concentrations.
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The procedure coded under CPT® 38208 is indicated for the preparation of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for transplantation. The specific indications for this procedure include:
The procedure for CPT® 38208 involves several critical steps to ensure the safe and effective preparation of hematopoietic progenitor cells for transplantation. The steps are as follows:
Post-procedure care following the thawing of hematopoietic progenitor cells involves monitoring the quality assessment results and ensuring that the cells are ready for transplantation. If the cells are deemed suitable, they are prepared for infusion into the patient. It is crucial to maintain proper storage conditions and handle the cells with care to prevent any loss of viability. Additionally, the healthcare team must be prepared to address any potential complications that may arise during the transplantation process.
| Short Descr | THAW PRESERVED STEM CELLS | Medium Descr | TRNSPL PREP HEMATOP PROGEN THAW PREV HRV PER DNR | Long Descr | Transplant preparation of hematopoietic progenitor cells; thawing of previously frozen harvest, without washing, per donor | Status Code | Not Valid for Medicare Purposes | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 0 | CCS Clinical Classification | 64 - Bone marrow transplant |
| GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2012-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Guideline information changed. |
| 2004-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2003-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2003. |
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