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Flow cytometry is a sophisticated laboratory technique utilized to analyze the characteristics of cells in a fluid suspension. This method involves the use of fluorescent markers that bind to specific cell surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear components, allowing for the identification and quantification of various cell populations. The process begins with the collection of a sample, which can be whole blood, serum, or bone marrow. Once the sample is prepared, it is passed through a flow cytometer, an instrument that detects and measures the fluorescence emitted by the markers attached to the cells. This enables the laboratory to gather quantitative data regarding the different types of cells present in the sample. The CPT® Code 88185 specifically refers to the technical component of flow cytometry for each additional marker analyzed beyond the first. The first marker is reported separately using CPT® Code 88184. This coding structure allows for the detailed reporting of multiple markers in a single test, which is essential for comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. For instance, flow cytometry can be employed to assess B-Cell CD20 expression in patients undergoing treatment for certain lymphomas or leukemias, or to evaluate ZAP-70 levels in newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Additionally, it can be used to analyze T-cell populations for abnormalities, assess chimerism in post-bone marrow transplant patients, and diagnose hematopoietic neoplasms. The versatility of flow cytometry makes it a valuable tool in both clinical and research settings, providing critical insights into various hematological conditions.
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Flow cytometry, as described by CPT® Code 88185, is indicated for a variety of clinical scenarios where detailed analysis of cell populations is necessary. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant the use of this procedure:
The procedure for flow cytometry as indicated by CPT® Code 88185 involves several key steps that ensure accurate analysis of cell populations. Each step is critical for obtaining reliable results.
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing flow cytometry is generally minimal, as the procedure is non-invasive and does not typically require recovery time. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to monitor patients for any potential adverse reactions, particularly if blood samples were drawn. Results from the flow cytometry analysis are usually available within a specified timeframe, and healthcare providers should ensure that patients are informed about when to expect results. Additionally, follow-up consultations may be necessary to discuss the findings and any subsequent steps in diagnosis or treatment based on the results obtained from the flow cytometry analysis.
| Short Descr | FLOWCYTOMETRY/TC ADD-ON | Medium Descr | FLOW CYTOMETRY CELL SURF MARKER TECHL ONLY EA | Long Descr | Flow cytometry, cell surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear marker, technical component only; each additional marker (List separately in addition to code for first marker) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 3 - Technical Component Only Code | 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 | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1G - Lab tests - other (Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 35 | CCS Clinical Classification | 234 - Pathology |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 88184 | Female Edit MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q2 CPT Assistant Article Flow cytometry, cell surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear marker, technical component only; first marker |
| GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | 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. | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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 | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | XP | Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner | 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. | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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. | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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 | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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. | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | 95 | Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system. | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | 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 | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2005-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2005. |
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