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CPT® Code 88150 refers to the process of cytopathology specifically for cervical or vaginal specimens, where manual screening is conducted under the supervision of a physician. This procedure is primarily associated with conventional Papanicolaou (PAP) smears, which are critical in the early detection of cervical abnormalities. The PAP smear is a test that involves collecting cells from the cervix using a specialized instrument, such as a brush or stick, to gather samples from the endocervix. These samples are then smeared onto a glass slide, fixed, and sent to a cytology laboratory for further analysis. The laboratory technician stains the slide and examines it under a microscope to identify any cellular abnormalities that may indicate conditions such as cervical dysplasia or in situ carcinoma. The significance of this procedure lies in its ability to detect precancerous changes, allowing for timely monitoring and intervention before the development of invasive cancer. The manual screening performed under CPT® Code 88150 involves a trained technician reviewing the slide for abnormalities, with the oversight of a physician, ensuring that any potential issues are accurately identified and addressed. This code is distinct from other related codes that involve computer-assisted screening or additional manual rescreening processes, emphasizing the importance of direct human oversight in the diagnostic process.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 88150 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® Code 88150 involves several key steps that ensure the accurate collection and analysis of cervical or vaginal specimens:
After the procedure associated with CPT® Code 88150, the following post-procedure considerations are important:
Results from the manual screening are typically communicated to the treating physician, who will review the findings. If any abnormalities are detected, the physician may recommend additional follow-up procedures, such as a repeat PAP smear at a shorter interval, colposcopy, endocervical curettage, or biopsy to further investigate the findings. It is essential for the physician to discuss the results with the patient and outline any necessary next steps based on the findings of the cytopathology report.
| Short Descr | CYTOPATH C/V MANUAL | Medium Descr | CYTP SLIDES C/V MNL SCR UNDER PHYS | Long Descr | Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal; manual screening under physician supervision | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | 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 |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 88155 | Female Edit Addon Code MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC Q4 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal, definitive hormonal evaluation (eg, maturation index, karyopyknotic index, estrogenic index) (List separately in addition to code[s] for other technical and interpretation services) |
| 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. | 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. | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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