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CPT® Code 88106 refers to a specific laboratory procedure known as cytopathology, which involves the examination of fluid samples, washings, or brushings, excluding those from cervical or vaginal sources. This procedure utilizes a simple filter method to isolate and analyze cells present in the sample, allowing for the interpretation of various cellular characteristics. The primary aim of this test is to diagnose a range of conditions, including malignant and premalignant diseases, infections, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, immune reactions, cellular aging, and amyloidosis. Cytopathology itself is the microscopic study of cells that either naturally exfoliate from body surfaces or can be collected through washing or brushing techniques. The samples analyzed can originate from diverse bodily fluids, such as sputum, urine, breast discharge, cerebrospinal fluid, and effusions from pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, or joint spaces, as well as vitreous fluid from the eye, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. The collection of these samples is performed through a separately reportable procedure. In the context of this code, the simple filter method is employed, where the fluid is filtered to separate the cellular components, and the resulting sediment is then fixed onto a glass slide for microscopic examination. A pathologist subsequently reviews the slide and generates a detailed written report outlining the findings of the analysis.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 88106 is indicated for the evaluation of various medical conditions through the analysis of fluid samples. The specific indications for performing this cytopathology test include:
The procedure for CPT® Code 88106 involves several key steps to ensure accurate cytopathological analysis of fluid samples. The steps are as follows:
After the cytopathology procedure associated with CPT® Code 88106, there are several considerations for post-procedure care. Typically, patients may resume normal activities immediately following the sample collection, as the procedure is minimally invasive. However, it is essential to monitor for any signs of complications, such as bleeding or infection at the site of sample collection, depending on the method used. The pathologist's report will be made available to the referring physician, who will discuss the findings with the patient and determine any necessary follow-up actions or additional diagnostic procedures based on the results. It is important for healthcare providers to ensure that patients understand the implications of the findings and any further steps that may be required for diagnosis or treatment.
| Short Descr | CYTOPATH FL NONGYN FILTER | Medium Descr | CYTP FLU BR/WA XCPT C/V FILTER METH ONLY INTERPJ | Long Descr | Cytopathology, fluids, washings or brushings, except cervical or vaginal; simple filter method with interpretation | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | 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 | STV-Packaged Codes | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1G - Lab tests - other (Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 5 | CCS Clinical Classification | 234 - Pathology |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 0828T | Add On Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N Digitization of glass microscope slides for cytopathology, fluids, washings, or brushings, except cervical or vaginal; simple filter method with interpretation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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. | XP | Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner | 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 | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2024-01-01 | Changed | Guideline information changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2007-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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