Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 88280 refers to a laboratory procedure known as chromosome analysis, specifically for additional karyotypes. Karyotyping is a critical diagnostic tool that involves the examination of the structure, number, and configuration of chromosomes within a cell. This analysis is essential for understanding genetic information that influences inherited traits, growth patterns, development, and overall bodily functions. Typically, human cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, which include 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. The procedure can involve various sample types, including chorionic villi or amniotic fluid for fetal genetic analysis, as well as whole blood for genetic testing across all age groups. In cases of hematologic or lymphoid diseases, such as leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and refractory anemia, samples may be taken from white blood cells (lymphocytes) or bone marrow. The collection of these samples is performed through specific procedures like venipuncture, bone marrow aspiration, amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling. Once the samples are obtained, the cells are cultured, and the chromosomes are isolated, fixed onto slides, and stained for visualization. The resulting microphotographs allow for the arrangement of chromosomes from smallest to largest, with matching pairs oriented vertically. A specialist then analyzes this arrangement to identify any chromosomal abnormalities, such as trisomy, monosomy, deletions, duplications, translocations, and other genetic rearrangements, culminating in a comprehensive written report of the findings. The use of code 88280 is specifically designated for each additional karyotype that is studied during this analysis.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 88280 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where chromosome analysis is necessary. The following conditions and situations warrant the performance of additional karyotype studies:
The procedure for chromosome analysis using CPT® Code 88280 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate karyotyping. The following outlines the procedural steps involved:
After the chromosome analysis procedure is completed, there are several important considerations for post-procedure care and follow-up. The results of the karyotype analysis are typically communicated to the referring physician, who will discuss the findings with the patient. Depending on the results, further genetic counseling may be recommended to help the patient understand the implications of the findings, especially in cases of identified chromosomal abnormalities. Patients may also be advised on any necessary follow-up testing or interventions based on the results. It is essential for healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive appropriate support and information regarding their genetic health and any potential impact on family planning or treatment options.
| Short Descr | CHROMOSOME KARYOTYPE STUDY | Medium Descr | CHRMSM ANALYSIS ADDL KARYOTYP EACH STUDY | Long Descr | Chromosome analysis; additional karyotypes, each study | 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 | 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology) |
| GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | Q0 | Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | Q6 | Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.