AMA CPT® Assistant - 2016 Issue 5 (May)
Pathology and Laboratory: Chemistry (Q&A) (May 2016)
May 2016 page 14-end Pathology and Laboratory: Chemistry Question: If the physician performs two wet mounts (saline and KOH) in addition to pH testing, is the pH separately reportable? Answer: Yes, the pH testing is separately reportable with CPT code 83986 , pH; body fluid, not otherwise specified. Therefore, if the physician performs a wet mount with saline and another with potassium hydroxide (KOH) in addition to pH testing, the appropriate reporting is code 87210 x2 (Smear, primary source with interpretation; wet mount for infectious agents (eg, saline, India ink, KOH preps)) and code 83986 . ♦ Pathology and Laboratory: Chemistry...
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Article Overview
This May 2016 pathology and laboratory Q&A article addresses a narrow chemistry reporting question in a clinical laboratory context. It is aimed at coders and billing professionals who need to understand what types of laboratory services are discussed in relation to CPT reporting guidance. The article focuses on a single coding scenario and the general issue of separate reporting for related laboratory tests.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers determine whether the article is relevant to laboratory coding questions involving chemistry, microscopy-based testing, and CPT reporting conventions.
Article Sections
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May 2016 page 14-end
A short Q&A format discussion centered on pathology and laboratory chemistry reporting. The section presents a focused coding question and response for a laboratory testing scenario.
What You Will Learn
- The general laboratory services and testing types addressed in the article
- How the article frames a specific CPT reporting question in a pathology and laboratory setting
- The kind of coding guidance discussed for combined laboratory procedures
- The scope of the Q&A format used in the article
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Laboratory billing staff
- Pathology practice administrators
- Compliance staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
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