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The CPT® Code 96902 refers to the microscopic examination of hairs that have been plucked or clipped by the examiner, specifically excluding any hair that has been collected by the patient. This procedure is performed to determine the counts of hair in the telogen and anagen phases, as well as to identify any structural abnormalities in the hair shaft. The examination involves a detailed analysis of the hair roots, which are assessed microscopically to ascertain the growth phase of each hair strand. Hair growth is categorized into three distinct phases: anagen, telogen, and catagen. The anagen phase represents the active growth stage of hair, where approximately 85-90% of individual hairs are typically found. The telogen phase is characterized by hair that is resting and preparing to fall out, accounting for about 10-15% of hairs. The catagen phase is a short transitional stage between anagen and telogen, with less than 1% of hairs in this phase at any given time. Additionally, the procedure allows for the diagnosis of hair shaft disorders by examining clipped hair for abnormalities such as bubble hair, beaded hair, or bamboo hair, all of which can lead to hair fragility and breakage. A comprehensive written report detailing the microscopic findings is generated following the examination, providing essential information for diagnosing hair growth disorders and structural hair shaft abnormalities.
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The microscopic examination of hairs plucked or clipped by the examiner is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure involves several key steps to ensure accurate microscopic examination of the hair samples:
Following the microscopic examination, the patient may not require any specific post-procedure care. However, the results of the examination will be documented in a written report, which will be provided to the referring physician or healthcare provider. This report will include the findings related to hair growth phases and any identified structural hair shaft abnormalities, which can guide further diagnostic or therapeutic decisions. It is essential for the healthcare provider to review the report to determine any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the findings.
| Short Descr | MCRSCP XM HAIR PLUCK/CLIPPED | Medium Descr | MCRSCP XM HAIR PLUCK/CLIP FOR CNTS/STRUCT ABNORM | Long Descr | Microscopic examination of hairs plucked or clipped by the examiner (excluding hair collected by the patient) to determine telogen and anagen counts, or structural hair shaft abnormality | Status Code | Bundled Code | 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 | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5A - Ambulatory procedures - skin | MUE | 0 | CCS Clinical Classification | 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology) |
| 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 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. | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| 1998-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1998. |
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