1998 CPT Changes for Pathology and Laboratory Codes (January 1998)

Why This Topic Matters

These updates affected how laboratories and practices reported newly available tests and revised service groupings in 1998. The article helps readers understand the scope of the CPT changes and identify which coding areas were most affected.

Article Sections

1. Coding Commentary

   Introduces the 1998 CPT pathology and laboratory updates and explains the overall focus of the review.

2. Breath Analysis for Helicobacter Pylori Infection

   Discusses the addition of a new laboratory test category for breath-based testing and related reporting context.

3. Reproductive Lab Codes

   Covers new laboratory service codes used in reproductive medicine and related specimen-processing settings.

4. Troponin

   Summarizes the addition of troponin-related reporting options and general payer considerations noted in the article.

5. Infectious Agent Detection Codes

   Reviews expanded infectious agent detection reporting and the introduction of additional organism-specific options.

6. Laboratory Panel Coding

   Describes revisions to chemistry panel reporting, deleted multichannel profile codes, and the redefinition of panel structure.

7. Pap Smear Coding

   Explains revisions to cervical and vaginal cytopathology reporting, including screening, interpretation, and preparation methods.

8. 88108 Revision Clarifies Use

   Addresses the revised placement and reporting context for a cytopathology concentration technique code.