Which statement correctly identifies the CPT code for extracorporeal photopheresis?

Which statement correctly identifies the CPT code for extracorporeal photopheresis?

• A. 36523
• B. 36524
• C. 36522
• D. 36520

Answer: (C)

Extracorporeal photopheresis is a therapeutic apheresis procedure performed with an automated device that collects blood, treats it outside the body, and reinfuses it after processing. In CPT coding, this falls under the automated therapeutic apheresis category, and the code that describes this automated therapeutic apheresis is the one used for extracorporeal photopheresis. The other codes in the list describe different apheresis variants or plasma exchange methods and do not reflect the automated therapeutic apheresis process used for photopheresis. So 36522 best captures the procedure as performed.

Extracorporeal photopheresis is a therapeutic apheresis procedure performed with an automated device that collects blood, treats it outside the body, and reinfuses it after processing. In CPT coding, this falls under the automated therapeutic apheresis category, and the code that describes this automated therapeutic apheresis is the one used for extracorporeal photopheresis. The other codes in the list describe different apheresis variants or plasma exchange methods and do not reflect the automated therapeutic apheresis process used for photopheresis. So 36522 best captures the procedure as performed.