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Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Don't Forget New CTC Code

Published on Fri Jan 13, 2012

Question: Our lab performs the CellSearch® test to evaluate circulating tumor cells in patient blood specimens following treatment for breast, colon, or colorectal cancer. We've been coding the test as 88361 x 2 -- is that correct?Colorado SubscriberAnswer: No, 88361 (Morphometric analysis, tumor immunohistochemistry [e.g., Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor], quantitative or semiquantitative, each antibody; using computer-assisted technology) is not the correct coding for a circulating tumor cell (CTC) blood test after Jan. 1, 2012.Here's why: CPT 2012 adds the following two new Category III codes for a CTC in blood specimens:0279T -- Cell enumeration using immunologic selection and identification in fluid specimen [e.g., circulating tumor cells in blood)0280T -- ... interpretation and report.Technical or professional: Note that one code represents the technical component of the test (0279T), and the other code represents the professional component (0280T). Make sure you bill only the part of the test your lab or pathologist performs. That rule [...]
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