CPT® Code 0854T

Add-On Code

Digitization of glass microscope slides for blood smear, peripheral, interpretation by physician with written report (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The CPT® Code 0854T refers to the process of digitizing glass microscope slides specifically for blood smear analysis. This procedure involves scanning glass slides into a digital format, allowing the captured images to be stored either on a local computer server or within a cloud-based archive. The digitization of these slides facilitates further examination by enabling remote pathologists to analyze the images or by utilizing computer algorithms that assist in providing a pathologic diagnosis. This method of digitization is particularly beneficial as it distinguishes the diagnostic process from traditional direct visualization through a microscope. The preparation of a glass slide for a peripheral blood smear involves placing a drop of blood on the slide, spreading it thinly to create an even layer, and then fixing it in place using a special stain. It is important to report code 0854T when additional slide digitization is performed concurrently, except in cases where an automated imaging system is utilized for the process.