CPT® Code 88152

Official Description

Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal; with manual screening and computer-assisted rescreening under physician supervision

Common Language Description

CPT® Code 88152 refers to the process of cytopathology specifically for cervical or vaginal specimens. This procedure involves the examination of slides that have been prepared from Papanicolaou (PAP) smears, which are critical for detecting cellular changes that may indicate disease. The examination is conducted under physician supervision and includes both manual screening and computer-assisted rescreening. The PAP smear is a vital screening tool used to identify abnormalities such as cervical dysplasia and in situ carcinoma, which are precursors to invasive cancer. The procedure begins with the collection of cells from the endocervix using a specialized instrument, such as a brush or stick. These cells are then smeared onto a glass slide, fixed to preserve the cellular structure, and sent to a cytology laboratory for further analysis. In the lab, the slide is stained to enhance visibility under a microscope. A trained technician manually screens the slide for any abnormalities, identifying any abnormal cells or clusters. The unique aspect of CPT® Code 88152 is the integration of computer-assisted technology, which aids in the rescreening process. The computer is designed to detect suspicious single cells and abnormal structures, providing a second layer of analysis. The technician reviews the findings from both the manual and computer-assisted screenings, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the specimen under the supervision of a physician. This thorough approach is essential for accurate diagnosis and subsequent management of potential cervical pathologies.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 88152 is indicated for the following conditions:

Cervical Dysplasia - The presence of abnormal cells on the cervix that may indicate early changes leading to cancer.
In Situ Carcinoma - A type of cancer that is confined to the site of origin and has not invaded surrounding tissues.
Routine Screening - Regular monitoring of cervical health in women to detect any cellular changes early.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 88152 involves several key steps that ensure accurate cytological evaluation:

Step 1: Specimen Collection - Cells are collected from the endocervix using a specialized instrument, such as a brush or stick. This step is crucial as it gathers the necessary cellular material for analysis.
Step 2: Slide Preparation - The collected specimen is smeared onto a glass slide. The slide is then fixed using a spray or immersion technique to preserve the cellular structure for examination.
Step 3: Staining - The prepared slide is sent to a cytology laboratory where it undergoes staining. This process enhances the visibility of the cells under a microscope, allowing for better identification of abnormalities.
Step 4: Manual Screening - A trained technician manually screens the stained slide using a microscope. During this step, the technician looks for any evidence of abnormal cells or cell clusters that may indicate disease.
Step 5: Computer-Assisted Rescreening - Following the manual screening, the slide is subjected to computer-assisted rescreening. The computer is programmed to identify suspicious single cells and abnormal cell structures, providing an additional layer of analysis.
Step 6: Review and Interpretation - The technician reviews the findings from both the manual and computer-assisted screenings. This comparison is essential for ensuring accuracy, and the final interpretation is conducted under physician supervision.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure associated with CPT® Code 88152, the findings from the cytological evaluation are communicated to the treating physician. If any abnormalities are detected, the pathologist may recommend further action, which could include scheduling another PAP smear at a shorter interval than usual or performing additional diagnostic tests such as colposcopy, endocervical curettage, or biopsy. These follow-up measures are critical for monitoring the patient's cervical health and addressing any potential issues promptly.

Short Descr	CYTOPATH C/V AUTO REDO
Medium Descr	CYTP SLIDES C/V MNL SCR&CPTR RESCR PHYS
Long Descr	Cytopathology, slides, cervical or vaginal; with manual screening and computer-assisted rescreening 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)