AMA CPT® Assistant - 1996 Issue 3 (March)
Pathology and Laboratory, 83918 (Q&A) (March 1996)
March 1996 page 11-end Coding Consultation Pathology and Laboratory, 83918 (Q&A) Question If a physician orders a quantitative lab test for pantothenic acid, how do I code this in the laboratory/pathology section? AMA Comment Pantothenic acid is part of the B vitamin complex (B3), and an organic acid. For an organic acid- which is any acid, the radical of which is a carbon derivative -the hydrocarbon radical is united to COOH (a carboxylic acid) or SO3H (sulfonic acid). Pantothenic acid deficiency affects the adrenal cortex, the nervous system, skin, and hair. The typical specimens for an organic acid...
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Article Overview
This article explains how a laboratory/pathology question about a quantitative pantothenic acid test was addressed in a March 1996 CPT coding consultation. It is relevant to coders and billing staff working with chemistry laboratory services, specimen collection, and outside-laboratory reporting. The article focuses on the broad CPT chemistry framework, lab reporting context, and specimen handling considerations discussed in the consultation.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers understand the coding context for a laboratory test question and how the article frames reporting when a service is performed by the lab, collected in the office, or sent to an outside laboratory.
Article Sections
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March 1996 page 11-end
Introductory publication information and the coding consultation topic for a laboratory/pathology question.
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Question
The clinical and reporting scenario presented for guidance in the laboratory/pathology section.
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AMA Comment
Discussion of the CPT chemistry context for the analyte category, specimen types, and reporting considerations, including office collection and outside-laboratory handling.
What You Will Learn
- How a laboratory/pathology coding question is framed in a CPT Q&A format.
- The types of specimen and chemistry-section context discussed for this laboratory test.
- The general reporting scenarios addressed for in-house, outside, and specimen-handling services.
- How CPT consultation articles present coding guidance for laboratory services.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Pathology and laboratory billing staff
- Clinical laboratory personnel
- Physician practice billing staff
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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