AMA CPT® Assistant - 2008 Issue 12 (December)
In Vivo (eg, Transcutaneous) Laboratory Procedures (December 2008)
December 2008 page 5 Coding Communication:In Vivo (eg, Transcutaneous) Laboratory Procedures For diagnostic laboratory testing, the Latin term "in vivo" refers to diagnostic laboratory testing as it is occurs in the living organism. CPT 2001 introduced a transcutaneous subheading and laboratory test procedure. Code 88400, Bilirubin, total, transcutaneous, was added to describe a noninvasive, transcutaneous procedure for the detection of hyperbilirubinemia using transcutaneous bilirubinometry. The CPT 2009 subheading now includes the term "in vivo" to delineate transcutaneous methods that provide point-of-care test results without drawing blood (ie, without removing the specimen from the person). Code 88400 was deleted and...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This CPT Assistant article covers in vivo, transcutaneous laboratory procedures and how they relate to in vitro testing for selected analytes. It discusses the 2009 CPT update context, the testing technologies involved, and general modifier usage considerations. The piece is intended for coders, billers, and clinical documentation staff who need to understand where these laboratory procedure codes fit within point-of-care testing.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers recognize the relevant CPT framework for transcutaneous laboratory procedures and understand the broader coding context around the 2009 changes and related reporting considerations. This is useful for accurate lab coding, documentation review, and compliance-oriented workflow support.
Article Sections
-
Coding Communication: In Vivo (eg, Transcutaneous) Laboratory Procedures
Introduces the topic and contrasts in vivo and in vitro diagnostic laboratory testing in broad terms. It also places the article within the CPT update context.
-
Transcutaneous Testing
Summarizes the general testing technologies and measurement principles used for transcutaneous laboratory procedures. The section addresses broad categories of screening and point-of-care measurement.
-
Code 88720
Discusses one transcutaneous laboratory procedure and the clinical setting in which it is referenced. It also describes the general type of measurement and output associated with the procedure.
-
Codes 88740 and 88741
Reviews two additional transcutaneous procedures and how they relate to pulse CO-oximetry. The section covers the broader measurement approach and use setting.
-
Coding Tip
Provides a brief coding-related note about related oxygen saturation reporting. It is presented as a practical cross-reference within the article.
-
Modifier Usage
Addresses general reporting considerations for repeat or continuous transcutaneous testing. The section focuses on modifier usage context at a high level.
What You Will Learn
- How CPT frames in vivo transcutaneous laboratory procedures
- How the article distinguishes transcutaneous and traditional laboratory testing
- Which broader testing technologies are discussed for transcutaneous measurement
- How the article situates the relevant CPT update period
- What general modifier usage issues are raised for repeat testing and continuous monitoring
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Revenue cycle staff
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Laboratory billing personnel
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com
