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Official Description

Morphometric analysis, tumor immunohistochemistry (eg, Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor), quantitative or semiquantitative, per specimen, each single antibody stain procedure; manual

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 88360 refers to a specific laboratory test that involves morphometric analysis of tumor cells through the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC). This procedure is designed to evaluate the morphometric characteristics of tumor cells, which includes a detailed examination of various cellular features such as size, shape, and the structural attributes of both the cell and its nucleus. Additionally, the analysis assesses the nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio and identifies specific DNA and RNA markers that are critical in understanding the tumor's biological behavior. Among the markers that can be analyzed using IHC are Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki-67, p53, MART-1, CD34, CD117, PTEN, SDHB, MIB-2, and PD-L2. This morphometric analysis is particularly valuable in clinical settings as it can help confirm ambiguous results from fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) tests and provide essential prognostic information regarding the likelihood of tumor recurrence and the potential response to therapeutic interventions. The procedure requires a tissue sample, which is typically obtained through a separately reportable biopsy or excision, or through fine needle aspiration. Once the sample is collected, it is stained and subsequently examined under a microscope by a pathologist or analyzed using specialized computer software. The results of the analysis, which include a count or estimation of the stained cells, are compiled into a comprehensive written report. It is important to note that CPT® Code 88360 is specifically designated for manual IHC cell studies, while CPT® Code 88361 is reserved for those performed with the assistance of computer technology and digital cellular imaging.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 88360 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where detailed analysis of tumor characteristics is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:

  • Assessment of Tumor Markers - The procedure is utilized to evaluate specific tumor markers such as Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR), which are critical in determining the biological behavior of the tumor.
  • Prognostic Evaluation - Morphometric analysis can provide prognostic information regarding the risk of tumor recurrence and the potential response to therapy, aiding in treatment planning.
  • Confirmation of FISH Results - This analysis may be performed to confirm equivocal fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results, providing clarity in diagnosis and treatment decisions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 88360 involves several key steps that ensure accurate morphometric analysis of tumor cells. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Sample Collection - A tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy or excision, or alternatively, cells may be collected via fine needle aspiration. This step is crucial as the quality and type of the sample directly impact the analysis.
  • Step 2: Staining - The collected tissue sample is then subjected to a staining process, which is essential for visualizing the cellular components under a microscope. The staining highlights specific markers that are of interest in the analysis.
  • Step 3: Microscopic Examination - After staining, the pathologist examines the sample microscopically. This examination may also involve the use of computer software to assist in the analysis of the stained cells.
  • Step 4: Data Analysis - The stained cells are counted or estimated based on their morphometric characteristics. This quantitative or semiquantitative analysis provides valuable insights into the tumor's properties.
  • Step 5: Reporting - Finally, a written report is generated, summarizing the findings of the morphometric analysis. This report is critical for informing the physician and guiding treatment decisions.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the morphometric analysis using CPT® Code 88360 typically involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications related to the biopsy or fine needle aspiration. The results of the analysis are usually communicated to the physician in a written report, which may require further discussion with the patient regarding the implications of the findings. Depending on the results, additional follow-up tests or treatments may be recommended. It is essential for healthcare providers to ensure that the patient understands the results and the next steps in their care plan.

Short Descr TUMOR IMMUNOHISTOCHEM/MANUAL
Medium Descr M/PHMTRC ALYS TUMOR IMHCHEM EA ANTIBODY MANUAL
Long Descr Morphometric analysis, tumor immunohistochemistry (eg, Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor), quantitative or semiquantitative, per specimen, each single antibody stain procedure; manual
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 T-Packaged Codes
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1G - Lab tests - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 6
CCS Clinical Classification 234 - Pathology

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

0763T Add-on Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N Digitization of glass microscope slides for morphometric analysis, tumor immunohistochemistry (eg, Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor), quantitative or semiquantitative, per specimen, each single antibody stain procedure, manual (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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
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.
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
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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
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)
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.
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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
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.
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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.
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
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing 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
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
Date
Action
Notes
2015-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2005-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2005.
1984-12-31 Deleted Code deleted.
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