Cytopathology, 88170, 88171 (Q&A) (December 1999)

December 1999 page 11a Coding Consultation Cytopathology, 88170, 88171 (Q&A) Question A biopsy was performed by our radiologist using the fine needle aspiration technique. The intent of the procedure was to obtain a biopsy. Should this be reported using a biopsy code or the fine needle aspiration code? AMA Comment From a CPT coding perspective, the fine needle aspiration codes (88170,88171) are intended to report the aspiration of fluid or tissue through a long slender needle, followed by a cytological examination of the cells which are obtained. This is in contrast to a biopsy, where a small...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article reviews a CPT coding consultation on cytopathology reporting in the context of specimen acquisition by a radiologist. It is relevant to coders, billing staff, and clinical documentation reviewers who need to understand how the article frames the relationship between procedure intent, specimen type, and CPT reporting guidance. The discussion is presented as a short question-and-answer format and focuses on general coding guidance for the service category.

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate reporting depends on documenting the method actually used to obtain the specimen, so this consultation helps readers align coding with clinical documentation and procedure type.

Article Sections

  1. Coding Consultation

    A brief Q&A format discussing cytopathology reporting in a radiology-related specimen collection scenario. The section addresses general CPT guidance for distinguishing between procedure approaches.

What You Will Learn

  • How this consultation frames specimen collection method in a cytopathology reporting context.
  • What type of general coding guidance the article provides for a radiologist-performed procedure.
  • Which specialty area and CPT service category the discussion relates to.
  • intended_audiences:[

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Billing staff
  • Compliance reviewers
  • Clinical documentation specialists
  • Radiology practices

Codes Discussed


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