Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Look for Fat Smear Code
Question: We sometimes perform a Sudan Black IV stain on a stool smear for fat. I've been told that the proper code is 88313 for the special fat stain, but this is an add-on code. What should we use as the primary specimen code if we're also reporting 88313 for the special stain? Answer: Although CPT now allows you to report a special stain code for stains on sources other than surgical pathology tissue, you should not use +88313 (Special stains [list separately in addition to code for primary service]; Group II, all other [e.g., iron, trichrome], except immunocytochemistry and immunoperoxidase stains, each) for a stool fat stain.
Colorado Subscriber
CPT provides a separate code for this procedure. You should report the fecal fat stain using 89125 (Fat stain, feces, urine, or respiratory secretions).
Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
- You Can Get Paid for Touch Preps With Frozen Again--Here's How
New codes 88333 and 88334 will help you overcome an NCCI roadblock
You've had to eat [...] - You Be the Coder:
What's Bundled in Prostatectomy?
Question: How should we code a radical prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma with benign seminal vesicle and [...] - 88161 Bundled With Surgical Pathology A Problem? Not Anymore
New consultation touch-prep codes avoid old NCCI edit
Thanks to a National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) [...] - Clip-and-Save Chart:
Don't Miss These 2006 CPT Pathology and Lab Code Changes
You won't get paid for deleted codes after Jan. 1
Starting Jan. 1, you won't use [...] - Count Specimens to Get Paid For New FOBT Codes
Changes clear up card and DRE confusion
If you're puzzled about when and how to bill [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Specimen Counts, Not Cassettes
Question: How should I code the procedure based on the following pathology report: From right [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Edit Hits Tubes and Placenta
Question: At our hospital, we have a fairly common situation when a patient delivers a [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Watch Out for Calculated LDL
Question: Are there any conditions that warrant performing a lipid panel and separate LDL assay [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Look for Fat Smear Code
Question: We sometimes perform a Sudan Black IV stain on a stool smear for fat. [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Influenza Test Kit Code Varies
Question: We're considering starting to use an influenza test kit in our physician office lab, [...]
