CPT® Code 88333

The CPT® Code 88333 refers to a pathology consultation performed during surgery, specifically involving a cytologic examination at the initial site of tissue sampling. This procedure is crucial for surgeons who require immediate information regarding the presence or absence of disease, particularly malignancy, while the patient is still undergoing surgery. The pathologist conducts this examination at the request of the surgeon, utilizing techniques such as touch preparation and squash preparation to obtain cellular samples from the tissue. In the touch preparation method, the margin of the tissue sample is directly touched against a glass slide, allowing cells to adhere to the slide. This slide is then air-dried, stained, and examined microscopically to assess cellular characteristics. Alternatively, the squash preparation technique involves slicing a small portion of the tissue specimen and placing it on a slide, where it is then crushed with another slide to create a thin film. This specimen is also fixed, stained, and analyzed under a microscope. The pathologist provides an initial verbal report of the findings, which includes critical information about the presence of abnormal or malignant cells, as well as any other significant features of the cell sample. A formal written report is subsequently generated and included in the patient's medical record. For examinations of cells from the initial site, the appropriate code to use is 88333, while 88334 should be used for examinations of cells from any additional sites.