AMA CPT® Assistant - 2000 Issue 3 (March)
Pathology and Laboratory (March 2000)
March 2000 page 11-end Coding Consultation Pathology and Laboratory, 82465, 84478, 83716 (Q&A) Question If we do a lipid panel only (which includes total serum cholesterol [ 82465 ], triglycerides [ 84478 ] and lipoprotein, direct measurement, high density cholesterol [ 83718 ]), and use high resolution fractionation and quantitation (code 83716 instead of 83718 ) as the method to determine the cholesterol, is it correct to continue to report 80061 (the lipid panel code) or should we report the tests individually with 82465 , 84478 and 83716 ? AMA Comment In order to report a laboratory panel code, all...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article addresses a pathology and laboratory coding question from CPT Assistant about how to report lipid-related testing when a panel is not performed exactly as defined. It is relevant to laboratory coders, pathology billing staff, and compliance teams who work with CPT panel and individual test reporting guidance. The article focuses on panel-versus-individual code reporting, the lab tests involved, and the circumstances under which separate reporting is discussed.
Why This Topic Matters
Laboratory panel reporting can affect claim accuracy, code selection, and compliance. This consultation helps readers understand the general coding issue involved when component tests do not match the exact panel definition.
Article Sections
-
Coding Consultation
A question-and-answer discussion of laboratory reporting for a lipid-related panel and related individual tests. The section presents CPT Assistant guidance on how the scenario is addressed at a high level.
-
AMA Comment
Editorial guidance from the AMA explaining the broader reporting approach for laboratory panels versus separate test reporting. The section also references the laboratory methods and test components involved in the consultation.
What You Will Learn
- How a laboratory panel question is framed in CPT Assistant
- The general distinction between panel reporting and separate test reporting
- How alternate laboratory methodology is discussed in relation to code selection
- What kinds of pathology and laboratory coding issues the consultation addresses
Who Should Read This
- Laboratory coders
- Pathology billing staff
- Coding compliance professionals
- Revenue cycle teams
- Medical auditors
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.



Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com