AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2012 Issue 2; Ask the Editor
Appropriate Coding of Pathology Specimens
The patient has a diagnosis of breast cancer and had an extensive re-excision of a segmental mastectomy site of the previous surgery. According to the pathology report, there were 7 frozen sections and 5 actual breast re-excision specimens. We were told to use CPT code 88331 x 7 and 88332 x 5. Please let us know how these specimens should be coded. ...
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Article Overview
This premium coding article explains a pathology coding scenario involving surgical specimen evaluation and specimen-level reporting considerations. It is intended for coding professionals and other revenue-cycle staff who need to understand how the discussion applies to pathology consultation during surgery and related CPT guidance. The article centers on a specific breast cancer re-excision example and the related documentation context, without serving as a general pathology reference.
Why This Topic Matters
Pathology coding can depend on how specimens are identified and reported in the operative and pathology record. This article helps readers understand the scope of the discussion so they can evaluate whether the full guidance is relevant to their coding workflow and documentation review process.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames specimen-level pathology reporting questions
- What type of surgical pathology scenario is being discussed
- How pathology consultation services during surgery are presented in the context of the example
- What documentation context is relevant to the coding discussion
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Pathology billing staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Compliance staff
- Coding auditors
Codes Discussed
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