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CPT® Code 88160 refers to a specific laboratory test known as cytopathology, which involves the examination of smears obtained from various sources. This procedure is essential for diagnosing a range of conditions, including malignant and premalignant diseases, infections, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, immune reactions, cell aging, and amyloidosis. Cytopathology focuses on the microscopic analysis of cells that either naturally shed from tissues or can be collected from body surfaces through methods such as washing or brushing. The process begins with the collection of samples, which must be reported separately. Once the samples are obtained, a technician or pathologist prepares the slides for examination. The pathologist then meticulously analyzes the slides under a microscope, assessing the cellular characteristics and abnormalities present. Following this examination, a comprehensive written report detailing the findings is generated. It is important to note that CPT® Code 88160 specifically pertains to the screening and interpretation of these cytopathological samples, distinguishing it from other related codes that may involve additional preparation or extended studies of the samples.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 88160 is indicated for the evaluation of various conditions that may affect cellular health and integrity. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this cytopathology test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 88160 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate cytopathological analysis. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care following the cytopathology test coded under CPT® Code 88160 typically involves monitoring the patient for any immediate reactions to the sample collection process. Since the procedure primarily focuses on laboratory analysis, there are no specific recovery protocols associated with the cytopathology itself. However, the referring physician may discuss the results with the patient once the report is available, which can influence subsequent diagnostic or therapeutic decisions. It is also important for healthcare providers to ensure that any follow-up actions based on the findings are documented and communicated effectively to the patient.
| Short Descr | CYTOPATH SMEAR OTHER SOURCE | Medium Descr | CYTP SMRS ANY OTH SRC SCR&INTERPJ | Long Descr | Cytopathology, smears, any other source; screening and 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 | 4 | CCS Clinical Classification | 234 - Pathology |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 0832T | Add On Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N Digitization of glass microscope slides for cytopathology, smears, any other source; screening and interpretation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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. | 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. | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | 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 | XP | Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | 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. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | 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 | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter |
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| 2024-01-01 | Changed | Guideline information changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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