Pathology and Laboratory: Surgical Pathology (Q&A) (June 2014)

June 2014 page 15 Pathology and Laboratory: Surgical Pathology Question: What is the appropriate CPT code to capture epidermal nerve fiber density testing on skin biopsies? Answer: Epidermal nerve fiber density testing (also referred to as intraepidermal nerve fiber [IENF] density) involves special histologic evaluation of skin biopsies utilizing quantitative immunohistochemistry for neural elements (ie, panaxonal marker, anti-protein gene product 9.5). The physician identifies and reports the number of intraepidermal nerve fibers per linear millimeter of epidermis. This report is used in the assessment of sensory neuropathies seen in diabetes mellitus and cancer chemotherapy, as well as idiopathic...

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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 June 2014 pathology and laboratory Q&A explains coding considerations for a specialized skin biopsy testing service and why certain related CPT pathology codes are not the right match. It is relevant to pathologists, laboratory coders, and billing staff who handle surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry-related reporting. The article focuses on the scope of the service, the lack of a specific CPT option, and general documentation expectations for unlisted reporting.

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate reporting of specialized pathology services affects claim submission, documentation support, and code selection in laboratory and surgical pathology workflows.

Article Sections

  1. Question and Answer

    Introduces the pathology and laboratory coding question and provides a general discussion of the testing service at issue.

  2. Related CPT Code Considerations

    Reviews several related CPT pathology codes and explains the broader service categories they represent in comparison to the testing discussed.

  3. Supporting Documentation for Unlisted Reporting

    Describes the need for documentation when reporting an unlisted pathology procedure and the type of information typically submitted with the claim.

What You Will Learn

  • How this pathology Q&A frames a specialized skin biopsy testing service
  • What general CPT pathology categories are discussed in relation to the service
  • Why documentation is important when an unlisted procedure is reported
  • How the article fits within surgical pathology and laboratory coding guidance

Who Should Read This

  • Pathologists
  • Laboratory coders
  • Medical coders
  • Billing staff
  • Revenue cycle professionals

Codes Discussed


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