CPT® Code 0835T

Add-On Code

Digitization of glass microscope slides for cytopathology, evaluation of fine needle aspirate; immediate cytohistologic study to determine adequacy for diagnosis, first evaluation episode, each site (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The CPT® Code 0835T refers to the process of digitizing glass microscope slides specifically for cytopathology, particularly in the context of evaluating fine needle aspirate specimens. This procedure involves converting traditional glass slides into a digital format, allowing for the images to be stored either on a local computer server or within a cloud-based archive. The digitization process facilitates further examination of the slides, which can be conducted by remote pathologists or through the use of advanced computer algorithms that assist in providing a pathologic diagnosis. This method of evaluation is distinct from traditional direct visualization through a microscope, as it enables a more versatile approach to pathology diagnostics. The cytopathology slides in question are prepared from fine needle aspirate specimens, and once digitized, they can be utilized for acquiring a pathological diagnosis, complete with interpretation and reporting. The code 0835T is specifically used to report the digitization of slides performed concurrently with an immediate cytohistologic evaluation aimed at determining the adequacy of the specimen for diagnosis. It is important to note that this code is to be reported separately in addition to the primary procedure code, and it is the first evaluation episode for each site. For additional evaluations of the same site, the code 0836T should be used, while the code 0837T is designated for the digitization of slides without immediate evaluation.