Wiki CPT 88331 question - Our doc is wanting

[bethb]

Good afternoon.

Our doc is wanting to charge for CPT 88331. I have done reading and research but I cannot seem to either find the answer or truly understand the logistics of the code 88331.

Doc states separate specimens and has the codes as such:

88331, diagnosis 173.31

88331-59, diagnosis 173.41

Would this be correct billing for the CPT code 88331? The specimens were from two different areas on the body.

Can anyone help me to better understand this code and the correct usage?

Thanks,
Beth

 

[hewitt]

My coding software says the way you coded this is permitted.

 

[bethb]

Thank you very much for checking and replying!

 

[JEYCPC]

Depending on the accession number, if these specimens are on the same report, I would code it 88331x2 with both the icd9 codes. If they are on different reports then I would suggest the 76 or 77 modifier.