Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Report Each Lung Needle Biopsy
Question: Our pathologist received three vials from transbronchial needle biopsies for a patient with a large lesion near the surface of the upper lobe of the right lung. The surgeon labeled each vial, designating the specific location it was taken from. Should we report each vial separately, or should we bill for one lung needle biopsy? Tennessee Subscriber Answer: Because the surgeon separately identified and submitted three lung needle biopsies from separate sites, you should report three units of 88305 (Level IV - surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination, lung, transbronchial biopsy). Each biopsy represents a separate specimen, requiring individual examination and diagnosis. The pathology report should show a diagnosis for each specimen. Not only does this provide the information the surgeon requested, but the report also provides documentation necessary to support coding CPT 88305 x 3. - Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were prepared with the assistance of R.M. Stainton Jr., MD, president of Doctors' Anatomic Pathology Services in Jonesboro, Ark.
Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
- Think You're Coding FISH Procedures Correctly? Not if You Aren't Following These Rules
Experts explain tissue versus nontissue guidelines If you've been waiting for direction on how to [...] - Clip and Save Chart:
FISH and Diagnostic CPT Codes and Uses - Don't Code FISH for Every HER-2/neu
Method is the key: Not every HER-2/neu test uses fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). If [...] - How to Get Paid for Drug Monitoring Tests
We'll tell you how to use 3 new V codes Physicians sometimes order lab tests [...] - You Be the Coder:
Report All Special Stains
Question: Can we bill for special stains when the pathologist states that the stain was [...] - Prepare Your Lab for Fee Schedule Changes
CMS recently previewed new codes and new pricing that may affect your bottom line. Lab [...] - Reader Question:
Use 88300 for Gross Only
Question: Suppose the lab accessions a breast biopsy specimen, providing a gross description dictation and [...] - Reader Question:
Ovary Can Stand Alone
Question: For a 59-year-old patient with a right ovarian mass, the surgeon submitted the uterus, [...] - Report Each Lung Needle Biopsy
Question: Our pathologist received three vials from transbronchial needle biopsies for a patient with a [...]
