AMA CPT® Assistant - 2013 Issue 6 (June)
Pathology and Laboratory (Q&A) (June 2013)
June 2013 page 14b Pathology and Laboratory Question: When performing an amplified DNA probe test for both GC and Chlamydia on the same specimen at the same time, is code 87801 the correct code to report? Or should codes 87491 and 87591 both be reported? Answer: The reporting of codes 87491 , 87591 , and 87801 will depend on how the results of the combination analysis are reported. If the test results differentiate between Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, then it would be appropriate to report codes 87491 , Chlamydia trachomatis, amplified probe technique, for the Hybrid capture Chlamydia trachomatis test and...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This June 2013 Pathology and Laboratory Q&A reviews two common coding scenarios in pathology and lab work. It discusses how reporting may vary for amplified nucleic acid testing when results are combined or separated, and it explains unit-of-service considerations for consultation services involving referred slides and specimens. The article is aimed at coders, billers, and pathology/laboratory professionals seeking CPT guidance on test reporting and specimen consultation conventions.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting in pathology and laboratory services depends on selecting the right CPT approach for test result structure and for consultation services tied to surgical or cytopathology cases. This article helps readers understand the scope of the coding questions involved so they can evaluate whether the full guidance is relevant to their workflows.
Article Sections
-
Molecular testing question and answer
Addresses a coding question involving combined infectious disease amplification testing on the same specimen. The discussion centers on how result reporting format affects code selection.
-
Consultation reporting question and answer
Addresses consultation coding for referred slides and other material received from an outside physician. The discussion focuses on reporting at the case or unit-of-service level when multiple specimens are involved.
What You Will Learn
- How this article frames coding questions in pathology and laboratory services
- The general relationship between molecular test result reporting and CPT code selection
- How consultation services for referred pathology materials are grouped for reporting purposes
- What kinds of pathology/lab scenarios are covered in this Q&A format
Who Should Read This
- Pathology coders
- Laboratory billing staff
- CPT users
- Pathologists
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com
