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The CPT® Code 88372 refers to a laboratory procedure known as protein analysis of tissue using the Western Blot technique, which includes interpretation and reporting. This procedure is specifically designed to isolate and identify proteins present in a tissue sample. The Western Blot method is a widely utilized technique in molecular biology and immunology for detecting specific proteins in a sample. It involves the use of an immunological probe for band identification, which is crucial for accurately determining the presence and quantity of proteins of interest. The tissue sample required for this analysis must be obtained through a separately reportable procedure, ensuring that the sample is properly prepared for analysis. The preparation process involves breaking down the tissue and adding buffers that lyse the cells, thereby stabilizing the proteins for further examination. Additionally, a chemical inhibitor may be introduced to the sample to prevent any denaturation or degradation of the proteins during the analysis. Once prepared, the sample is diluted with a loading buffer, which typically contains glycerol and dye, and is then loaded onto a gel for electrophoresis. During electrophoresis, the negatively charged proteins migrate towards the positively charged anode, allowing for their transfer onto a solid support membrane. After the proteins are blotted onto the membrane, it is essential to block the membrane to minimize any unwanted interactions between the membrane and proteins in subsequent steps. The analysis continues with the addition of antibody probes to visualize the proteins of interest. A primary antibody specific to the target protein is applied, followed by washing the membrane and adding a second labeled antibody. This labeled antibody binds to the primary antibody, enabling the detection of the protein through imaging techniques such as photography or scanning. The pathologist then interprets the results, confirming the presence of the targeted protein(s), estimating their quantity through visual inspection, and determining their size by comparing them to standardized markers. Each antibody probe utilized in this process is reported under the CPT® Code 88372, ensuring accurate documentation and billing for the procedure.
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The procedure coded under CPT® 88372 is indicated for the analysis of specific proteins in tissue samples when there is a clinical need to identify or quantify these proteins. This may include, but is not limited to, the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® 88372 involves several detailed steps to ensure accurate protein analysis. First, a tissue sample is obtained through a separately reportable procedure, which is essential for the subsequent analysis. Once the sample is collected, it undergoes preparation, where the tissue is broken down, and buffers are added to lyse the cells. This step is crucial as it stabilizes the proteins for analysis. A chemical inhibitor may also be included in the preparation to prevent any denaturation or degradation of the proteins during the process. After preparation, the sample is diluted with a loading buffer, which typically consists of glycerol and dye, to facilitate loading onto a gel. The gel electrophoresis step follows, where the negatively charged proteins migrate towards the positively charged anode. This migration allows the proteins to be separated based on their size. Once the electrophoresis is complete, the proteins are transferred onto a solid support membrane in a process known as blotting. After the transfer, the membrane is blocked to limit any non-specific interactions between the membrane and proteins in the subsequent steps. The next phase involves the addition of antibody probes to visualize the proteins of interest. A primary antibody, which is specific to the target protein, is applied to the membrane. Following this, the membrane is washed to remove any unbound antibodies. A second labeled antibody is then added, which binds to the primary antibody. This labeled antibody allows for the detection of the protein through imaging techniques, such as photography or scanning. Finally, the pathologist analyzes the results, confirming the presence of the protein(s) of interest, estimating their quantity through visual inspection, and determining their size by comparing them to standardized markers. Each antibody probe used in this procedure is reported under CPT® 88372, ensuring accurate documentation and billing.
After the completion of the protein analysis using the Western Blot technique, the pathologist prepares a detailed report that includes the findings from the analysis. This report confirms the presence of the targeted protein(s) and provides an estimate of their quantity based on visual inspection. Additionally, the size of the proteins is determined by comparison with standardized markers, which is critical for accurate interpretation of the results. Post-procedure care does not typically involve any specific interventions, as the procedure is performed in a laboratory setting and does not require patient follow-up. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to review the report thoroughly to understand the implications of the findings for patient management and treatment decisions. Any further actions or treatments based on the results should be discussed with the patient in a timely manner.
| Short Descr | PROTEIN ANALYSIS W/PROBE | Medium Descr | PROTEIN ALYS WSTRN BLOT I&R IMMUNOLOGICAL EA | Long Descr | Protein analysis of tissue by Western Blot, with interpretation and report; immunological probe for band identification, each | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 6 - Laboratory Physician Interpretation 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 | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | 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 |
| 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. |
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| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
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