Radiology Coding Alert

Question: I'm trying to determine whether to use 76098 for a case. When is the code appropriate?

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: Code 76098 (Radiological examination, surgical specimen) applies when the radiologist examines a tissue specimen removed during surgery. Key point: Use the code for X-ray of the specimen removed, not for imaging of the operative field.

You may use 76098 most often in connection with X-ray of tissue removed from the breast. The imaging allows the radiologist to asses whether the surgeon (or radiologist) biopsied the appropriate area.

Example: A radiologist biopsies an area of the breast using a Mammotome system. He then X-rays the specimen to ensure that the sample contains the questionable tissue.