Summary & Overview
CPT 88285: Analyst Chromosome Analysis with Additional Cell Counting
CPT code 88285 represents an analyst-performed cytogenetic chromosome analysis in which an analyst counts cells for abnormalities identified by a separately reportable code and then counts additional cells as needed. This code captures a focused, follow-up laboratory task that refines or confirms chromosomal findings and can affect diagnostic classification, prognosis, and downstream clinical management. Nationally, accurate reporting of 88285 is important for laboratory quality measurement, appropriate billing for additional analytic effort, and clear clinical documentation of cytogenetic work.
Key payers in scope include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of the code’s clinical and billing purpose, typical sites of service, common modifiers, and where this service fits in cytogenetics workflows. The publication provides benchmarks and comparative guidance on payer coverage language when available, summaries of coding conventions tied to cytogenetic analysis, and the clinical context in which additional cell counting is performed. Data not available in the input will be noted where relevant. This resource is aimed at laboratory managers, coders, and policy analysts seeking a concise national summary of CPT code 88285 and its role in cytogenetic diagnostic services.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 88285 describes an analyst-performed chromosome analysis in which the analyst counts cells for abnormalities previously identified by a separately reportable code, and then counts additional cells as needed. The service involves microscopic evaluation and cell counting to further characterize chromosomal findings.
Service type: Cytogenetic analysis / laboratory diagnostic service
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A cytogenetics laboratory receives a peripheral blood sample from a 32-year-old pregnant patient referred for prenatal chromosome analysis after an abnormal noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) result suggesting a possible aneuploidy. The specimen is cultured, and a clinical cytogenetic technologist prepares metaphase spreads. The laboratory performs the initial chromosome analysis and counts a set number of cells for abnormalities under a separately reportable code (for example, the primary chromosome analysis). When additional cell counting is required to confirm a suspected mosaic abnormality or clarify borderline findings, the analyst performs supplemental cell counts billed under 88285. The workflow includes specimen accessioning, culture and harvest, slide preparation, microscopic review, cell counting by the analyst, documentation of findings, and reporting to the ordering clinician. Typical sites of service include hospital laboratories, independent reference laboratories, and specialty cytogenetics labs associated with academic medical centers. Common clinical indications include abnormal prenatal screening, suspected constitutional chromosomal abnormalities (abnormal ultrasound findings, developmental delay, multiple congenital anomalies), and cases where additional counts are needed to resolve mosaicism or low‑level abnormal clones.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component |