August 1997 page 18d
Coding Consultation
Pathology & Laboratory, 88161 (Q&A)
What are "touch preps" and how should touch preps performed as part of pathology consultations during surgery be coded?
AMA Comment
Cytologic touch or crush preps of tissue are a useful adjunct to frozen section examination. Although these preparations do not replace routine frozen sections, they are often an invaluable supplement in arriving at a diagnosis. For reporting a touch preparation provided in conjunction with frozen section or as a part of intraoperative consultations that do not involve frozen sections, use CPT code 88161, Cytopathology, smears, any...
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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 pathology and laboratory coding question about touch preparations performed during surgery and how the topic relates to CPT-based reporting for intraoperative pathology services. It is useful for coders, pathologists, and billing staff who need to understand the scope of the guidance and the related CPT items referenced in the discussion.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting of intraoperative pathology services depends on recognizing which laboratory procedures are being discussed and how they relate to the CPT guidance referenced in the article.
Article Sections
Coding Consultation
A short Q&A discussion focused on pathology and laboratory reporting in an operative context. The section frames the question and the official commentary that follows.
AMA Comment
The response explains the general role of touch or crush preparations within intraoperative pathology services and relates the topic to CPT reporting guidance. It also references other CPT items discussed in connection with the procedure type.
What You Will Learn
The general purpose of touch preparations in surgical pathology settings
How the article frames CPT-based reporting for intraoperative pathology consultation topics
Which related CPT items are referenced alongside the discussion of touch preparations
The kind of pathology and laboratory questions addressed in this Q&A format
Who Should Read This
Pathology coders
Laboratory billing staff
Pathologists
Clinical documentation staff
Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
CPT: 88161
CPT: 88329
CPT: 88331
CPT: 88332
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