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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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article explains a cytopathology coding question from a pathology Q&A format and discusses how CPT guidance applies to immediate adequacy evaluation episodes during fine needle aspirate procedures. It is intended for coding professionals, pathologists, and billers who need to understand the scope of the guidance and the types of situations covered in the article.

Why This Topic Matters

Correctly understanding the article helps readers determine whether the full guidance applies to their pathology workflow and coding questions. It is especially relevant when evaluating how immediate assessment episodes are discussed in CPT-based cytopathology reporting.

What You Will Learn

  • The general topic of cytopathology reporting for fine needle aspirate evaluation
  • How the article frames immediate adequacy assessment questions in a pathology Q&A format
  • The types of CPT guidance and payer considerations discussed in the article
  • How repeat evaluation scenarios are addressed at a high level

Who Should Read This

  • Pathologists
  • Pathology coders
  • Medical coders
  • Medical billers
  • Compliance staff

Codes Discussed


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