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Microdissection is a specialized technique used to isolate specific cells from a tissue sample for further analysis. In the context of CPT® Code 88380, this procedure employs laser capture microdissection, which allows for precise targeting of cells that have been microscopically identified as relevant for study. The process begins with the preparation of a thin section of tissue, which is then placed under a microscope. A transfer film is applied to this section, enabling the pathologist to visualize and select tiny clusters of cells that are of interest. Once the target cells are identified, a pulsed laser beam is directed at the transfer film, which fuses with the selected cells. This fusion allows for the removal of the cells from the tissue section, facilitating their analysis. The ability to isolate specific cells is crucial for studying disease processes at a cellular level, as it enables comparisons between abnormal or neoplastic cells and normal tissue. This information can be vital in determining appropriate treatment options for patients. In contrast, CPT® Code 88381 describes a manual method of microdissection, where selected cells are separated using traditional tools like a razor blade or scalpel under a dissecting microscope.
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Microdissection using laser capture is indicated for various clinical scenarios where precise cellular analysis is required. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:
The procedure for laser capture microdissection (CPT® Code 88380) involves several critical steps to ensure accurate isolation of target cells. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the laser capture microdissection procedure is completed, the isolated cells can be subjected to various analyses, including histological examination, molecular testing, or genetic profiling. The pathologist may need to document the specific cells that were isolated and the rationale for their selection. Additionally, care should be taken to ensure that the remaining tissue is preserved for any further necessary evaluations. The expected recovery from this procedure is typically minimal, as it is performed on a microscopic level and does not involve significant trauma to the surrounding tissue. However, the pathologist should monitor for any potential complications related to the handling of the tissue samples.
| Short Descr | MICRODISSECTION LASER | Medium Descr | MICRODISSECTION PREP IDENTIFIED TARGET LASER | Long Descr | Microdissection (ie, sample preparation of microscopically identified target); laser capture | 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 | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | 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 |
| 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. | 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 | 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. | 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. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | 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 | 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 |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2008-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2002-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2002. |
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