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CPT® Code 88155 refers to a specific cytopathology procedure that involves the evaluation of cervical or vaginal cell samples for hormonal assessment. This procedure is performed by obtaining a sample of cells from the cervix or vagina using a specialized tool, such as a stick or brush. The collected cell sample is then smeared onto a glass slide and covered with a coverslip to prepare it for microscopic examination. The definitive hormonal evaluation focuses on identifying hormonal imbalances that may affect reproductive health, including conditions that could lead to infertility. The analysis is particularly concerned with the maturation of squamous epithelial cells, which is influenced by steroid hormones, primarily estrogen. Estrogen receptors are found in the squamous epithelium of cervical and vaginal cells, with a notable presence in the basal cells. These receptors exhibit increased expression during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, leading to observable changes in epithelial maturation. When the cells are examined microscopically, a quantitative analysis can be performed to assess the degree of maturation. This is represented by the maturation index (MI), which quantifies the ratio of parabasal cells, intermediate cells, and superficial cells. Normal MI values for menstruating women during ovulation are typically 0:35:65, while postmenopausal women generally show values of 90:10:0. Additionally, the karyopyknotic index (KI) is calculated to evaluate the relationship between superficial squamous cells with pyknotic nuclei and all mature squamous cells, serving as an indicator of ovulation, as the KI peaks during this phase. The estrogenic index is another component of this evaluation, which assesses the impact of estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women. Overall, CPT® Code 88155 encompasses a comprehensive approach to understanding hormonal influences on cervical and vaginal health through cytological analysis.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 88155 is indicated for the evaluation of hormonal status in women, particularly in the context of reproductive health. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 88155 involves several key steps to ensure accurate cytopathological evaluation:
After the procedure associated with CPT® Code 88155, patients may not require any specific post-procedure care. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to communicate the results of the cytological evaluation to the patient. Depending on the findings, further diagnostic testing or treatment options may be discussed. Patients should be informed about the potential implications of the results, especially in relation to fertility, hormonal therapy, or other reproductive health concerns. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor any ongoing issues or to discuss treatment plans based on the evaluation outcomes.
| Short Descr | CYTOPATH C/V INDEX ADD-ON | Medium Descr | CYTP SLIDES C/V DEFINITIVE HORMONAL EVAL | Long Descr | 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) | 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 an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 88142 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (any reporting system), collected in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation; manual screening under physician supervision | 88143 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (any reporting system), collected in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation; with manual screening and rescreening under physician supervision | 88147 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology smears, cervical or vaginal; screening by automated system under physician supervision | 88148 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology smears, cervical or vaginal; screening by automated system with manual rescreening under physician supervision | 88150 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal; manual screening under physician supervision | 88152 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal; with manual screening and computer-assisted rescreening under physician supervision | 88153 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal; with manual screening and rescreening under physician supervision | 88164 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal (the Bethesda System); manual screening under physician supervision | 88165 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal (the Bethesda System); with manual screening and rescreening under physician supervision | 88166 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal (the Bethesda System); with manual screening and computer-assisted rescreening under physician supervision | 88167 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal (the Bethesda System); with manual screening and computer-assisted rescreening using cell selection and review under physician supervision | 88174 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (any reporting system), collected in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation; screening by automated system, under physician supervision | 88175 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (any reporting system), collected in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation; with screening by automated system and manual rescreening or review, under physician supervision |
| 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. | 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. |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2009-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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