Overview of Changes to Pathology/Laboratory Section for 2003 (July 2003)

Why This Topic Matters

Annual CPT updates can affect how laboratory services are categorized, tracked, and reported. This overview helps readers identify which areas of pathology/laboratory coding changed in 2003 and where follow-up review of the full guidance may be necessary.

Article Sections

1. July 2003 pages 7-11

   Introductory article identification and a broad overview of the pathology and laboratory section updates included in CPT 2003.

2. Organ or Disease Oriented Panels

   Discusses changes affecting panel coding within the pathology and laboratory section and the broader shift in available testing methods.

3. Chemistry

   Covers chemistry section updates, including new and revised laboratory testing entries and related cross-references.

4. Clarification of Code 84377

   Addresses an editorial clarification within the chemistry section and notes a correction for a later CPT edition.

5. Hematology and Coagulation

   Summarizes extensive revisions, deletions, additions, and renumbering in hematology and coagulation coding, along with comparison material.

6. Immunology

   Describes a cross-reference addition involving immunology testing and a Category III code reference.

7. Transfusion Medicine

   Reviews changes to transfusion medicine coding, including deletions, replacements, and wording revisions for blood product services.

8. Microbiology

   Covers microbiology section revisions, relocations, and additions related to infectious agent detection and identification methods.

9. Cytopathology

   Summarizes changes in cytopathology screening and rescreening methodology and related cross-references.

10. Cytogenetic Studies

    Explains cross-reference updates that clarify distinctions within cytogenetic study services and related harvest handling.

11. Other Procedures

    Notes additional laboratory procedure updates outside the main subsections, including new testing entries and revised references.

12. New Category III Codes

    Introduces new temporary codes added for emerging laboratory technology and explains the general purpose of the Category III section.

13. Table 1 - Comparison of the Hematology and Coagulation Changes: 2002 vs. 2003

    Presents a comparison table showing how selected hematology and coagulation entries changed between 2002 and 2003.

14. Table 2 - Comparison of the Transfusion Medicine Table Changes: 2002 vs. 2003

    Presents a comparison table showing how selected transfusion medicine entries changed between 2002 and 2003.