December 1998 page 8c
Coding Consultation
Cytopathology, 88172, 88173 (Q&A)
Question
When cytotechnologists assist a physician (eg, radiologist) in the performance of fine needle aspiration, what CPT code should I report?
AMA Comment
The services performed by the cytotechnologist may involve the reporting of two different CPT codes. In the circumstance where the cytotechnologist prepares slides from the needle aspirate and returns these slides to the pathologist who gives a preliminary report regarding specimen adequacy, then CPT code 88172, Evaluation of fine needle aspirate with or without preparation of smears; immediate cytohistologic study to determine adequacy of specimen(s)...
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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 explains a coding consultation focused on cytopathology services tied to fine needle aspiration and the reporting of physician/pathologist work. It is relevant to coders, cytopathology staff, and billing professionals who need to understand how the CPT discussion addresses specimen adequacy review, interpretation, and related documentation in a consultation format.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers identify the CPT guidance discussed for a specific cytopathology workflow and understand the scope of the reporting question addressed in the AMA commentary.
Article Sections
Coding Consultation
Introduces the cytopathology billing question and the AMA commentary addressing reporting of services in a fine needle aspiration setting.
Question
Presents the user’s inquiry about how services performed during assistance with fine needle aspiration should be reported.
AMA Comment
Summarizes the AMA response discussing the CPT reporting framework for the service components described in the consultation.
What You Will Learn
The general CPT topics discussed for cytopathology services in a fine needle aspiration context.
How the article frames the distinction between preliminary review and final interpretation/reporting.
What type of professional guidance the AMA commentary provides in this consultation format.
intended_audiences
Who Should Read This
Medical coders
Cytopathology and pathology billing staff
Physician practice coders
Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
CPT: 88172
CPT: 88173
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