AMA CPT® Assistant - 2011 Issue 12 (December)
Laboratory and Pathology (Q&A) (December 2011)
December 2011 page 17a Laboratory and Pathology Question 1: Based on the descriptor language "requiring interpretation by physician," may code 88141 , Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (any reporting system), requiring interpretation by physician , be reported by the attending physician (eg, gynecologist) when medically indicated? Carolyn Kent, MBA, MT (ASCP) Answer 1: From a CPT coding perspective, it is appropriate for a physician to report code 88141 for physician interpretation of a Pap test, which is interpreted as abnormal by personnel performing the initial screening, including those interpreted as showing suspicious or malignant cells, those showing epithelial cell abnormality (eg...
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Article Overview
This December 2011 CPT Assistant Q&A article addresses common laboratory and pathology coding questions for physicians and pathology practices. It focuses on CPT-based reporting considerations for cytopathology interpretation, surgical pathology specimen assignment, and documentation expectations for specialized tissue preparation services. The article is useful for pathologists, attending physicians, coders, and compliance staff seeking general guidance on how CPT content applies to laboratory and pathology services.
Why This Topic Matters
Laboratory and pathology coding often depends on specimen type, service components, and documentation rather than diagnosis alone. This article helps readers understand the scope of CPT guidance that affects reporting accuracy, compliance, and how to evaluate whether a pathology service is supported in the record.
Article Sections
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December 2011 page 17a
Introductory page marker for the Q&A content. The article then presents a series of questions and answers on CPT laboratory and pathology topics.
What You Will Learn
- How CPT guidance addresses physician interpretation in cytopathology services
- How surgical pathology specimen reporting is organized in a CPT code series
- How documentation considerations relate to specialized tissue preparation services
- How to evaluate whether a pathology service fits the general scope of the CPT guidance discussed
Who Should Read This
- Pathologists
- Attending physicians
- Medical coders
- Coding compliance specialists
- Laboratory billing staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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