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Official Description

Morphometric analysis; skeletal muscle

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 88355 refers to a specialized test known as morphometric analysis of skeletal muscle. This procedure involves a detailed examination of the morphometric characteristics of skeletal muscle tissue, which is primarily composed of striated fibers that work together to facilitate contraction. The analysis is crucial as it helps identify structural changes in muscle fibers and cells that may arise due to various factors, including developmental changes, nutritional status, lifestyle choices, and pathological conditions. These changes can be influenced by several hormones, such as testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1, as well as external factors like exercise, gravitational effects, and conditions such as denervation or muscle atrophy associated with aging, injury, or illness. Genetic factors, including mutations that lead to muscular dystrophies, and variations in fat content within the muscle tissue can also impact the characteristics of muscle fibers and cells. To perform this analysis, a sample of muscle tissue is obtained through a biopsy, which is reported separately. The collected tissue is then processed and analyzed using microscopic techniques and/or advanced automated or semi-automated software programs, such as MetaMorph, AxionVision, Lucia, or CyteSeer. The results of this analysis are compiled into a comprehensive written report that details the findings, providing valuable insights into the muscle's structural integrity and potential abnormalities.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The morphometric analysis of skeletal muscle (CPT® Code 88355) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where understanding the structural characteristics of muscle tissue is essential. This analysis is particularly relevant in the following situations:

  • Muscle Disorders Assessment of muscle tissue in patients with suspected muscle disorders, including muscular dystrophies, to identify specific structural abnormalities.
  • Pathological Conditions Evaluation of muscle tissue changes due to pathological conditions such as inflammatory myopathies or other neuromuscular diseases.
  • Response to Treatment Monitoring the effects of therapeutic interventions on muscle structure, particularly in patients undergoing rehabilitation or treatment for muscle-related conditions.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies Investigation of muscle tissue in cases of suspected nutritional deficiencies that may affect muscle health and function.
  • Age-Related Changes Analysis of muscle tissue to understand age-related changes and the impact of aging on muscle structure and function.

2. Procedure

The procedure for morphometric analysis of skeletal muscle involves several critical steps to ensure accurate and comprehensive evaluation of the muscle tissue. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Biopsy Collection A sample of skeletal muscle tissue is obtained through a biopsy procedure. This step is crucial as it provides the necessary tissue for analysis. The biopsy is performed using standard techniques, and the sample must be handled carefully to preserve its integrity for subsequent analysis.
  • Step 2: Tissue Processing Once the muscle tissue sample is collected, it undergoes processing to prepare it for microscopic examination. This may involve fixation, embedding, and sectioning of the tissue to create thin slices that can be analyzed under a microscope.
  • Step 3: Morphometric Analysis The processed tissue is then subjected to morphometric analysis. This analysis can be performed microscopically and/or with the aid of automated or semi-automated software programs. These programs, such as MetaMorph, AxionVision, Lucia, or CyteSeer, utilize algorithms to quantify various morphometric parameters of the muscle fibers and cells.
  • Step 4: Reporting Findings After the analysis is complete, a detailed written report is generated. This report includes the findings of the morphometric analysis, highlighting any structural changes or abnormalities observed in the muscle tissue.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the morphometric analysis of skeletal muscle primarily involves monitoring the biopsy site for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Patients may be advised on activity restrictions to allow for proper healing of the biopsy site. The results of the analysis will typically be discussed with the patient in a follow-up appointment, where the implications of the findings will be explained, and any necessary further evaluations or treatments will be considered based on the results. It is essential for healthcare providers to ensure that patients understand the significance of the findings and any subsequent steps in their care plan.

Short Descr M/PHMTRC ALYS SKELETAL MUSC
Medium Descr MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS SKELETAL MUSCLE
Long Descr Morphometric analysis; skeletal muscle
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 1
CCS Clinical Classification 234 - Pathology
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.
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.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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Action
Notes
2024-01-01 Changed Short Description changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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