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The CPT® Code 88237 refers to a laboratory procedure known as tissue culture for neoplastic disorders, specifically focusing on bone marrow and blood cells. This procedure involves culturing cells and/or tissue samples from patients who are suspected of having or are known to have neoplastic disorders, which are conditions characterized by the abnormal growth of cells, such as cancer. The primary objective of this test is to identify various genetic and chromosomal characteristics, including chromosomes, hereditary genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, and karyotypes. These analyses are crucial for diagnosing, prognosing, and monitoring hematopoietic diseases, which affect the blood and bone marrow. To perform this test, whole blood is collected from the patient through a procedure known as venipuncture, which is separately reportable. Additionally, bone marrow samples can be obtained through aspiration, and solid tumors, such as lymph nodes, may be excised or biopsied, with these procedures also being separately reportable. The laboratory utilizes specific staining techniques, such as Giemsa Band, for testing whole blood and solid tissue samples. For bone marrow samples, testing may involve Giemsa Band or advanced techniques like cell culture fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which allows for the visualization of genetic material within the cells. This comprehensive approach aids healthcare professionals in making informed decisions regarding patient care and treatment options based on the genetic and chromosomal information obtained from the tissue cultures.
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The procedure coded as CPT® 88237 is indicated for the evaluation of patients with suspected or confirmed neoplastic disorders. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this tissue culture:
The procedure for CPT® 88237 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate tissue culture and analysis:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing CPT® 88237 primarily involves monitoring for any potential complications related to the sample collection, such as bleeding or infection at the venipuncture or aspiration sites. Patients may be advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a short period following the procedure. The results of the tissue culture will typically be available after a specified period, depending on the laboratory's processing time. Healthcare providers will review the findings with the patient to discuss the implications for diagnosis, treatment options, and any necessary follow-up care based on the results obtained from the tissue culture analysis.
| Short Descr | TISSUE CULTURE BONE MARROW | Medium Descr | TISS CUL NEO DISORDERS BONE MARROW BLOOD CELLS | Long Descr | Tissue culture for neoplastic disorders; bone marrow, blood cells | 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 | 4 | CCS Clinical Classification | 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology) |
| 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. | 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. | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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. | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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. | 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. | 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. | 95 | Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | Q0 | Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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