Loading...

    Explore
    • Policy Monitoring
    • Live Policy Feed
    • Billing Codes
    • NPI Medicare & Medicaid
    • Healthcare Providers
    • Health Insurance Payers
    • States
    • Service Lines
    • Taxonomy Codes
    Lookup tools
    • Billing Code Lookup
    • CPT Modifier Lookup
    • Provider Taxonomy Code Lookup
    • Healthcare Provider & Facility Lookup
    • Health Insurance Payer Lookup
    • Payer Contact Directory

    Policy & Benchmark Tools

    • Prior Authorization Lookup
    • Coverage Criteria Lookup
    • Timely Filing Lookup
    • Billing Code Reimbursement Rates
    • Payer Comparison Dashboard
    • Facility Comparison Dashboard
    • All tools

    Company

    • About OpenPayer
    • Data Sources
    • Trek Health
    OpenPayerby Trek Health
    LinkedInYouTube

    © 2026 Trek Health. All rights reserved.

    OpenPayer is built and maintained by Trek Health.

    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesDigital Pathology Glass Microscope Slides Digitization ProceduresCPT cpt-0832t-digital-whole-slide-scanning-cytopathology
    Ask Trek AI about this page

    CPT 0832T: Digitization of Whole-Slide Images for Cytopathology

    CPT code 0832T describes clinical staff work to scan and digitize whole-slide images from glass microscope slides for immediate or later pathologic diagnosis, reported as an add-on unit when digitizing slides associated with cytopathology service 88160; the service type is digital slide scanning/digitization performed by clinical laboratory or pathology support staff and the typical site of service is a clinical laboratory or pathology department associated with anatomic pathology or cytopathology workflows.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: RTM Testing of Homocysteine Metabolism-Related Conditions, Multimarker Serum Testing Related to Ovarian Cancer, Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Testing in Adults.

    Customize your policy alerts

    Sign up for cpt 0832T policy alerts

    Get alerted when payer policies referencing 0832T are released or updated.

    Monitor payer policy activity

    Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

    Table of contents

    Progress1 / 7

    Explore openpayer tools

    • Billing CodesCPT, HCPCS, DRG & more
    • Reimbursement RatesCommercial vs. Medicare rate reports
    • ProvidersHospitals & facilities
    • PayersPlans & market footprint
    • Taxonomy CodesNUCC specialty codes
    • ModifiersCPT modifiers & usage
    • Prior AuthorizationPA policies by payer & drug
    • Timely FilingFiling deadlines by payer
    • Coverage CriteriaMedical necessity by payer
    • Payer ContactsClaims, PA & appeals contacts
    View all tools

    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A cytology laboratory receives a fluid specimen from a gynecologic or non-gynecologic source for evaluation of cellular material. A cytotechnologist prepares and stains glass slides, and a licensed clinical staff member performs whole-slide scanning to digitize the cytology slides for review by a pathologist either immediately for rapid diagnosis or later for primary sign-out. Typical workflow: specimen accessioning → slide preparation/staining (cytology) → technologist review and selection → scan using a validated whole-slide scanner → image QC and upload to the laboratory information system/PACS → pathologist review and final cytopathology report. Common clinical situations include evaluation of atypical squamous cells on cervical cytology, evaluation of body cavity fluid for malignancy, or rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) adjunct for fine needle aspiration specimens when cytologic digitization is requested. The procedure is performed in a hospital pathology lab, independent diagnostic testing facility (IDTF), or outpatient laboratory setting and is billed as an add-on code reported once per unit of cytopathology code 88160 when slides of cellular material require digitization.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    88160Cytopathology, evaluation of cellular material; immediate screen or interpretation (e.g., FNA, direct smears)Primary cytopathology code reporting the cellular-material slides for which add-on code 0832T is reported; one unit of 0832T per unit of 88160.
    88305Level IV surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examinationOften reported when cell-block preparations or concurrent tissue specimens require standard surgical pathology evaluation alongside cytology digitization.
    88342Immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry, per specimen; initial single antibody/tierPerformed on cell-block or cytology material when ancillary testing is required after slide digitization and pathologist review.

    Related Modifiers

    5 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    8PModifier 8P—Performance Measure Reporting Modifier – Action Not Performed, Reason Not Otherwise Specified— is appended only to CPT Category II quality-reporting codes to indicate that the specified…- Use modifier -8P only with CPT Category II codes when the quality-measure action was not performed for an eligible patient and there is no documented reason in the medical record for omitting the…
    32Modifier 32 (Mandated Services) indicates that a CPT-coded service was required by a third party—such as an insurer, school, state agency, or court. The AMA defines it as denoting services mandated…- Use Modifier 32 when a service or procedure was explicitly mandated by a third party (for example an insurer requiring a second opinion, a school requiring a sports physical, a state agency or…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207P00000XEmergency Medicine PhysicianAn emergency physician focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospit…
    390200000XStudent in an Organized Health Care Education/Training ProgramAn individual who is enrolled in an organized health care education/training program leading to a degree, certification, registration, and/or licensur…
    2080P0006XDevelopmental - Behavioral Pediatrics PhysicianA developmental-behavioral specialist is a pediatrician with special training and experience who aims to foster understanding and promotion of optimal…
    207PP0204XPediatric Emergency Medicine (Emergency Medicine) PhysicianPediatric Emergency Medicine is a clinical subspecialty that focuses on the care of the acutely ill or injured child in the setting of an emergency de…
    208000000XPediatrics PhysicianA pediatrician is concerned with the physical, emotional and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Care encompasses a broad spectru…
    202K00000XPhlebology PhysicianPhlebology is the medical discipline that involves the diagnosis and treatment of venous disorders, including spider veins, varicose veins, chronic ve…
    207RA0000XAdolescent Medicine (Internal Medicine) PhysicianAn internist who specializes in adolescent medicine is a multi-disciplinary healthcare specialist trained in the unique physical, psychological and so…
    2084P0805XGeriatric Psychiatry PhysicianGeriatric Psychiatry is a subspecialty with psychiatric expertise in prevention, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders…

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    24 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    A56.09Other chlamydial infection of lower genitourinary tract
    C50.912Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of left female breast
    C53.9Malignant neoplasm of cervix uteri, unspecified
    C56.9Malignant neoplasm of unspecified ovary
    C61Malignant neoplasm of prostate
    C71.9Malignant neoplasm of brain, unspecified
    K35.80Unspecified acute appendicitis
    K57.30Diverticulosis of large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding
    L02.91Cutaneous abscess, unspecified
    N60.22Fibroadenosis of left breast

    Showing 1–10 of 24

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Genetic & Molecular Testing1 / 3

    2 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    RTM Testing of Homocysteine Metabolism-Related ConditionsOscar Health2026-10-01
    Multimarker Serum Testing Related to Ovarian CancerBlue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island2026-09-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-0751T-DIGITAL-SLIDE-SCANNING-LEVEL-II-SURGICAL-PATHOLOGY

    CPT 0751T: Slide Digitization for Level II Surgical Pathology

    CPT-0752T-SLIDE-DIGITIZATION-SURGICAL-PATHOLOGY-LEVEL-III

    CPT 0752T: Slide Digitization for Level III Surgical Pathology

    CPT-0753T-SLIDE-DIGITIZATION-LEVEL-IV-SURGICAL-PATHOLOGY

    CPT 0753T: Digital Slide Scanning for Level IV Surgical Pathology

    CPT-0754T-DIGITAL-SLIDE-DIGITIZATION-LEVEL-V-SURGICAL-PATHOLOGY

    CPT 0754T: Slide Digitization for Level V Surgical Pathology

    CPT-0755T-SLIDE-DIGITIZATION-LEVEL-VI-SURGICAL-PATHOLOGY

    CPT 0755T: Digital Slide Scanning for Surgical Pathology Level VI

    CPT-0757T-SLIDE-DIGITIZATION-SPECIAL-STAIN-88313

    CPT 0757T: Digital Slide Digitization for Group II Special Stain

    CPT-0758T-FROZEN-STAIN-SLIDE-DIGITIZATION

    CPT 0758T: Digitization of Slides for Frozen Tissue Histochemical Stain

    CPT-0759T-DIGITAL-PATHOLOGY-SLIDE-SCANNING-GROUP-III-STAIN

    CPT 0759T: Digitization of Group III Special Stain Slides

    CPT-0760T-DIGITAL-PATHOLOGY-SLIDE-DIGITIZATION-IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY

    CPT 0760T: Slide Digitization for Initial Immunohistochemistry

    CPT-0761T-DIGITAL-SLIDE-SCANNING-IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY

    CPT 0761T: Digitization of Slide for Single-Antibody IHC

    Showing 1–10 of 23

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
    Published by

    Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

    Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.