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Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Don't Be Fooled by Biopsy 'Adequacy Check'

Published on Mon Oct 12, 2009

Question: Our pathologist extracted a needle core breast biopsy -- not an FNA. The cytotech did a touch  rep to confirm the presence of adequate lesion cells, and the pathologist later diagnosed the biopsy specimen. Can we report the cytotech's "adequacy check" as 88172 or 88333 or 88161? New York Subscriber Answer: You should consider the touch prep that the cytotechnologist performed to ensure an adequate specimen an unbillable service. Here's why you should not report each of the codes you suggested: • 88172 -- Cytopathology, evaluation of fine needle aspirate; immediate cytohistologic study to determine adequacy of specimen(s) This code is only for a fine needle aspiration (FNA) adequacy check, but the specimen you describe is not a fine needle aspirate. • 88333 -- Pathology consultation during surgery; cytologic examination (e.g., touch prep, squash prep), initial site You should not use this code for the cytotech's touch prep. The service doesn't meet [...]
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