AMA CPT® Assistant - 2016 Issue 1 (January)

Pathology: Cytopathology (Q&A) (January 2016)

January 2016 page 12 Pathology: Cytopathology Question: Is it appropriate to report CPT code 88172, Cytopathology, evaluation of fine needle aspirate; immediate cytohistologic study to determine adequacy for diagnosis, first evaluation episode, each site, for each additional pass during an operative episode when a repeat immediate evaluation was performed on subsequent cytologic material from the same site? Answer: No, the unit of service for code 88172 is "evaluation episode." This is not necessarily per pass (however, it could be; see the following CPT instructions and example provided below). Per the instructional notes following this code, the "evaluation episode...

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CPT® Assistant content is the official source for CPT® coding guidance. It is an instrumental tool when appealing insurance denials and validating coding to auditors. Monthly issues and an extensive archive provide comprehensive guidance on proper CPT® coding for past, present and upcoming code set releases. Archives date back to 1990 for historical use of codes, changes, rationales, coding tips and trends in the industry.

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