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Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative) is a specialized laboratory technique utilized primarily by pathologists and geneticists to visualize and analyze specific genes or segments of genes within biological specimens. This method employs fluorescent tagging to enable the detection and identification of genetic abnormalities, which may include translocations, deletions, duplications, amplifications, and inversions on chromosomes, as well as in hematologic cells and solid tumor cancers. The insights gained from this analysis are crucial for determining patient eligibility for targeted treatments, planning appropriate treatment courses, and monitoring the effectiveness of ongoing therapies. The procedure involves fixing cells onto a slide and treating them to denature the DNA, converting it into single strands. A short sequence of single-stranded DNA, known as a probe, which is complementary to the target gene(s), is then tagged with fluorescent labels and applied to the slide. Following this, the DNA on the slide is allowed to hybridize, or bind, to the probe DNA, after which the slide is washed to eliminate any unbound excess. The final step involves using computer-assisted technology to read the slide, allowing for the identification of any genetic abnormalities present in the specimen. This code specifically applies to the initial single probe stain procedure performed in this context.
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The morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative) procedure is indicated for various clinical scenarios where the identification of genetic abnormalities is essential. These indications include:
The morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization procedure involves several critical steps that ensure accurate results. These steps include:
After the morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization procedure is completed, the results are typically documented and interpreted by a qualified pathologist or geneticist. The findings can provide valuable information regarding the presence of genetic abnormalities, which can influence clinical decision-making. There are no specific post-procedure care requirements mentioned; however, it is essential for healthcare providers to communicate the results to the patient and discuss any potential implications for treatment or further testing. Additionally, proper documentation of the procedure and results is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring accurate billing.
| Short Descr | INSITU HYBRIDIZATION AUTO | Medium Descr | M/PHMTRC ALYS ISH CPTR-ASST TECH 1ST PROBE STAIN | Long Descr | Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative), using computer-assisted technology, per specimen; initial single probe stain procedure | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | T-Packaged Codes | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1G - Lab tests - other (Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 3 | CCS Clinical Classification | 234 - Pathology |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 88373 | Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative), using computer-assisted technology, per specimen; each additional single probe stain procedure (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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. | 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. | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | 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. | 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | Q1 | Routine 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 | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter |
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| 2015-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2008-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2005-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2005. |
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