AMA CPT® Assistant - 1999 Issue 5 (May)
Cytopathology - Pap Smears (May 1999)
May 1999 pages 6-7 Coding Communication Cytopathology - Pap Smears Table: Pap Smear Codes at a Glance In recent years there have been dramatic new advances in the field of gynecologic cytopathology, (Pap smears). With computer assisted technology, this field is rapidly changing. Where each Pap smear slide was formerly screened (carefully reviewed for abnormal cells) by a human cytotechnologist, screening can now be done by using computer imaging. In addition, instead of relying on the busy gynecologist to carefully prepare a thin smear of cervical cells, instruments are now available that take the same cells in a preservative...
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Article Overview
This article explains a 1999 CPT coding update for Pap smear cytopathology reporting. It is aimed at coding professionals, laboratory staff, and clinicians who need to understand the structure of the revised Pap smear code families, the Bethesda and non-Bethesda reporting approaches, thin-layer preparation reporting, automated screening concepts, and related add-on services discussed in the guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
Pap smear reporting changed significantly as new preparation and screening technologies became available. Understanding the organization of the code families and the associated reporting framework helps support accurate laboratory and physician coding.
Article Sections
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May 1999 pages 6-7
Introductory publication information for the coding communication.
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Coding Communication
Overview of the article’s purpose and the coding topic being addressed.
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Cytopathology - Pap Smears
General discussion of Pap smear cytopathology, screening technologies, and the need for revised reporting options.
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A Look at the Codes
High-level summary of the Pap smear code families and how they are organized for reporting different service components.
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The Bethesda System of Reporting
Discussion of the Bethesda reporting framework and its role in cervical-vaginal cytology reporting.
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Non-Bethesda Reporting
Discussion of Pap smear reporting when the Bethesda system is not used.
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Thin Layer Preparation - Any System of Reporting
Discussion of fluid-based specimen collection and automated thin-layer preparation across reporting systems.
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Screening by Automated System
Discussion of automated screening as a reporting category and its relationship to rescreening.
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Codes 88141 and 88155
Discussion of add-on services associated with Pap smear reporting and clarifications about how related codes are referenced.
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Pap Smear Codes at a Glance
A summary table presenting the major Pap smear coding categories discussed in the article.
What You Will Learn
- How the article organizes Pap smear cytopathology reporting into major code families.
- What the Bethesda and non-Bethesda reporting frameworks cover at a broad level.
- How thin-layer preparation and automated screening are presented in the coding guidance.
- Which add-on service categories are discussed alongside Pap smear reporting.
- What general clarifications are provided about the 1999 CPT update for Pap smear coding.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Pathology and cytology laboratory staff
- Physicians and clinicians involved in Pap smear reporting
- Coding educators and auditors
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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