Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Question: Our pathologist performed computer-assisted FISH testing using three probes on a urinary bladder specimen to evaluate inflammatory and squamous epithelial cells. Should we report this as 88367 and +88373?

Texas Subscriber

Answer: No, you should not report 88367 (Morphometric analysis, in situ hybridization (quantitative or semi-quantitative), using computer-assisted technology, per specimen; initial single probe stain procedure) and +88373 (… each additional single probe stain procedure (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)) for a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test on a urinary tract specimen.

Instead, you should report 88121 (Cytopathology, in situ hybridization (eg, FISH), urinary tract specimen with morphometric analysis, 3-5 molecular probes, each specimen; using computer-assisted technology).

A text note following this code directs you to 88367 for FISH testing on cytologic specimens other than urinary tract.

Caution: Code 88121 is a physician code. You stated that the pathologist performed the evaluation, but if another laboratory professional performs and interprets the test, you should not use 88121 but should instead turn to the appropriate code from the range 88271-88275 (Molecular cytogenetics …).