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Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Who Performs Semen Analysis Doesn't Change Code

Published on Thu Jun 24, 2004

Question: Can a pathologist bill for semen analysis, or is it only the clinical laboratory that can bill for the test? If the pathologist interprets the semen analysis, should we report 80500? Ohio Subscriber Answer: Regardless of whether the pathologist or other lab personnel perform the semen analysis, you should report the appropriate code from the family 89300-89320 (Semen analysis ...), or 89321 (Semen analysis, presence and/or motility of sperm), or G0027 (Semen analysis; presence and/or motility of sperm excluding Huhner).

You should not automatically report 80500 (Clinical pathology consultation; limited, without review of patient's history and medical records) if the pathologist performs the semen analysis. The ordering physician typically interprets the test findings in light of other patient history and examination information: The laboratory semen analysis itself does not involve an interpretation. In fact, National Correct Coding Initiative edits prohibit reporting 80500 with the codes for semen analysis lab tests.
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