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 88738 refers to the quantitative measurement of hemoglobin (Hgb) using a transcutaneous method. This procedure employs a handheld device that utilizes noninvasive white light spectroscopy to assess the level of circulating hemoglobin in a patient's blood. During the process, a probe that emits white light is placed on the skin, typically on the forearm. The emitted light penetrates the skin tissue, where hemoglobin present in the blood absorbs a portion of this light. The remaining light is reflected back to the device, which then calculates the hemoglobin concentration by determining the difference between the emitted light and the reflected light. The resulting hemoglobin value is subsequently documented in the patient's medical record, providing essential information for clinical assessment and management.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The transcutaneous measurement of hemoglobin (Hgb) using CPT® Code 88738 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where monitoring of hemoglobin levels is necessary. This procedure is particularly useful in the following situations:
The procedure for transcutaneous hemoglobin measurement using CPT® Code 88738 involves several key steps that ensure accurate and reliable results. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care for the transcutaneous measurement of hemoglobin is minimal due to the noninvasive nature of the test. Patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately following the procedure. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to review the recorded hemoglobin levels with the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up actions or additional testing that may be required based on the results. Continuous monitoring may be indicated for patients with fluctuating hemoglobin levels or those undergoing treatment for conditions affecting hemoglobin concentration.
| Short Descr | HGB QUANT TRANSCUTANEOUS | Medium Descr | HGB QUANTITATIVE TRANSCUTANEOUS | Long Descr | Hemoglobin (Hgb), quantitative, transcutaneous | 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 | 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology |
| 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | PD | Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days | 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 | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2010-01-01 | Added | - |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.