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Cytopathology examination, specifically for cervical or vaginal specimens, is a diagnostic procedure aimed at identifying cellular changes that may indicate the presence of disease. This examination is crucial for detecting conditions such as cervical dysplasia and in situ carcinoma, which are precursors to invasive malignancies. The procedure is commonly known as a Papanicolaou (PAP) smear, named after Dr. George Papanicolaou, who developed this method of screening. During the test, cells are collected from the endocervix using specialized tools, such as a brush or stick, and placed in a preservative fluid to maintain their integrity for laboratory analysis. Once the specimen reaches the laboratory, it undergoes a process where the liquid cell suspension is centrifuged to eliminate debris, allowing for a concentrated sample of cervical cells. These cells are then prepared using an automated thin layer preparation system, which stains the cells and transfers them onto slides for microscopic examination. The examination process involves manual screening by a trained technician under the supervision of a physician, specifically a pathologist. In the case of CPT® Code 88143, the procedure includes not only the initial manual screening but also a rescreening process, which entails a thorough reassessment of the entire slide, potentially by a second technician. This comprehensive approach ensures that any abnormal findings are accurately identified and communicated to the treating physician, who may then recommend further diagnostic tests or follow-up procedures based on the results.
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The cytopathology examination using CPT® Code 88143 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® Code 88143 involves several key steps that ensure accurate cytopathological assessment:
After the cytopathology examination is completed, the treating physician will review the findings and determine the appropriate follow-up actions. If the results indicate abnormal cellular changes, the physician may recommend a shorter interval for the next PAP smear or suggest additional diagnostic tests to further investigate the findings. It is essential for patients to adhere to follow-up recommendations to monitor their cervical health effectively and address any potential issues promptly.
| Short Descr | CYTOPATH C/V THIN LAYER REDO | Medium Descr | CYTP C/V FLU AUTO THIN MNL SCR&RESCR PHYS | Long Descr | Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (any reporting system), collected in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation; with manual screening and rescreening under physician supervision | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | 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 | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 234 - Pathology |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 88155 | Female Edit Addon Code MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal, definitive hormonal evaluation (eg, maturation index, karyopyknotic index, estrogenic index) (List separately in addition to code[s] for other technical and interpretation services) |
| 90 | Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 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. | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case |
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| 1999-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1999. |
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