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The CPT® Code 89055 refers to a laboratory procedure known as a leukocyte assessment performed on a fresh stool sample. This assessment is crucial for determining the presence of leukocytes, which are a type of immune cell that can indicate underlying health issues. In a healthy individual, leukocytes are not typically found in fecal matter; their presence often suggests a response to gastrointestinal infections or inflammatory conditions. Specifically, leukocytes may appear in stool samples due to infections caused by pathogens such as Shigella, Salmonella, amebiasis, Campylobacter, and Clostridium difficile, or as a result of inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. The procedure involves collecting a fresh fecal sample from the patient, which is then smeared onto a glass slide and stained for microscopic examination. The laboratory technician analyzes the slide under a microscope to identify and count the leukocytes present in the sample. The results are reported in a semiquantitative manner, categorizing the leukocyte count as few (≤2 per oil immersion field), moderate (3 to 9 per oil immersion field), or many (≥10 per oil immersion field). A positive result from this assessment can indicate an infection with a toxin-producing microorganism or one that invades intestinal tissue, leading to inflammatory damage.
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The leukocyte assessment, fecal, qualitative or semiquantitative (CPT® Code 89055) is indicated for the evaluation of gastrointestinal conditions where the presence of leukocytes may suggest infection or inflammation. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The leukocyte assessment involves several key procedural steps to ensure accurate results. First, a fresh stool sample is collected from the patient, which is critical for the integrity of the test. The sample must be processed promptly to avoid degradation of the leukocytes. Next, a small amount of the fecal sample is smeared onto a glass slide. This smear is then stained using appropriate laboratory techniques to enhance the visibility of the leukocytes under a microscope. Once the slide is prepared, it is examined under a microscope by a trained laboratory technician. The technician counts the number of leukocytes present in the fecal sample, categorizing the results in a semiquantitative manner. The leukocyte count is reported as few (≤2 per oil immersion field), moderate (3 to 9 per oil immersion field), or many (≥10 per oil immersion field). This systematic approach allows for the identification of potential infections or inflammatory conditions based on the presence and quantity of leukocytes in the stool.
After the leukocyte assessment is completed, the results are compiled and reported to the requesting physician. The interpretation of the results is crucial, as a positive finding of leukocytes may necessitate further diagnostic testing or treatment interventions based on the underlying cause of the infection or inflammation. Patients may not require specific post-procedure care, but it is essential for healthcare providers to discuss the results with the patient and determine any necessary follow-up actions, including potential treatments or additional testing to address the identified gastrointestinal issues.
| Short Descr | LEUKOCYTE ASSESSMENT FECAL | Medium Descr | LEUKOCYTE ASSMT FECAL QUAL/SEMIQUANTITATIVE | Long Descr | Leukocyte assessment, fecal, qualitative or semiquantitative | 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) | T1D - Lab tests - blood counts | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 235 - Other Laboratory |
| 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. | 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. | 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 | 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 | 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. |
| 2004-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2003-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2003. |
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