Wiki Pathology

We wait for the pathology (we are an oncology practice), unless the path is taking an exceedingly long time (like over 10 days).
 
I code for gyn oncology. IF a potentially different diagnosis would change the CPT code, then I wait for final pathology. Otherwise, I bill the diagnosis on the op note. For example, a laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for a normal sized uterus is the same CPT code regardless of diagnosis. A total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and omentectomy however, has a different CPT if it is for a malignancy.
I'm sure most dermatology practices wait for pathology to decide to bill with benign lesion or malignant lesion codes.
 
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