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Official Description

Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative), using computer-assisted technology, per specimen; each multiplex probe stain procedure

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative) is a specialized laboratory technique employed by pathologists and geneticists to visualize and analyze specific genes or segments of genes within biological specimens. This method utilizes fluorescent tagging to detect genetic abnormalities, which may include translocations, deletions, duplications, amplifications, and inversions that can occur in chromosomes, hematologic cells, and solid tumors. The process begins with fixing cells onto a slide, followed by treatment to denature the DNA, converting it into single strands. Subsequently, a short sequence of single-stranded DNA, known as a probe, which is complementary to the target gene(s), is tagged with fluorescent labels and applied to the slide. The DNA on the slide is allowed to hybridize, or bind, to the probe DNA, and any unbound probe is washed away. The final step involves using computer-assisted technology to read the slide, enabling the identification of any genetic abnormalities present. This analysis is crucial for determining patient eligibility for specific treatments, planning treatment courses, and monitoring responses to therapies. CPT® Code 88374 is specifically used to report the procedure when multiple probes are utilized simultaneously in a single staining procedure, distinguishing it from other related codes that report single probe stain procedures.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative) procedure is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Detection of Genetic Abnormalities This procedure is performed to identify specific genetic abnormalities such as translocations, deletions, duplications, amplifications, and inversions that may be present in chromosomes, hematologic cells, and solid tumors.
  • Assessment of Tumor Characteristics It is utilized to analyze the genetic characteristics of tumors, which can provide insights into tumor behavior and potential treatment responses.
  • Patient Treatment Planning The results from this analysis can help determine patient eligibility for targeted therapies and inform the planning of treatment courses based on the genetic profile of the tumor.
  • Monitoring Treatment Response This procedure can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of ongoing treatments by assessing changes in genetic abnormalities over time.

2. Procedure

The morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization procedure involves several key steps that are critical for accurate results:

  • Specimen Preparation The first step involves fixing the cells to a glass slide to preserve their structure. This is essential for ensuring that the DNA remains intact and accessible for analysis.
  • DNA Denaturation Following fixation, the DNA within the cells is treated to denature it, which means that the double-stranded DNA is separated into single strands. This step is crucial as it allows the probe to bind effectively to the target sequences.
  • Probe Application A short sequence of single-stranded DNA, known as a probe, is then tagged with fluorescent labels. This probe is designed to be complementary to the specific target gene(s) of interest. The labeled probe is applied to the slide containing the denatured DNA.
  • Hybridization The slide is incubated to allow the probe DNA to hybridize, or bind, to the complementary sequences in the specimen's DNA. This binding is a critical step for the subsequent detection of genetic abnormalities.
  • Washing After hybridization, the slide is washed to remove any unbound or excess probe. This step helps to reduce background noise and enhances the clarity of the results.
  • Analysis Using Computer-Assisted Technology Finally, the slide is analyzed using computer-assisted technology, which allows for the detection and interpretation of any genetic abnormalities present. This technology aids in quantifying the results and provides a detailed analysis of the findings.

3. Post-Procedure

After the morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization procedure, the specimens are typically reviewed for any genetic abnormalities identified during the analysis. The results are documented and may be used to inform clinical decisions regarding patient management and treatment options. There are no specific post-procedure care requirements mentioned; however, it is essential for healthcare professionals to ensure that the findings are communicated effectively to the relevant medical team for further action. Additionally, any necessary follow-up testing or monitoring should be planned based on the results obtained from this analysis.

Short Descr M/PHMTRC ALYS ISHQUANT/SEMIQ
Medium Descr M/PHMTRC ALYS ISH QUANT/SEMIQ CPTR EACH MULTIPRB
Long Descr Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative), using computer-assisted technology, per specimen; each multiplex probe stain procedure
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 5
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
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.
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.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Date
Action
Notes
2015-01-01 Added Added
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Description
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