AMA CPT® Assistant - 2008 Issue 5 (May)
Pathology and Laboratory: Surgical Pathology (May 2008)
May 2008 page 14 Pathology and Laboratory: Surgical Pathology, 88386, 88399 (Q&A) Question: What is the correct way to report a microarray of more than 500 probes? If the array has 1500 probes, for example, do I report code 88386 , Array-based evaluation of multiple molecular probes; 251 through 500 probes, three times? Or should I report the unlisted procedure code, 88399 , Unlisted surgical pathology procedure ? Answer: The array-based evaluation of more than 500 probes is an unlisted service and should be reported with CPT code 88399 . When reporting an unlisted code to describe a procedure or service, it...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article addresses a surgical pathology coding question from CPT Assistant focused on how to classify a microarray service based on the number of probes evaluated. It is relevant to pathology coders, laboratory billing staff, and compliance teams working with CPT surgical pathology reporting and unlisted procedures. The discussion centers on a specific coding scenario, the use of an unlisted CPT option, and the documentation that accompanies reporting such services.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting of specialized pathology and laboratory services depends on recognizing when a service falls outside a listed CPT code range. This article helps readers understand the scope of the guidance and the documentation expectations associated with unlisted surgical pathology reporting.
Article Sections
-
May 2008 page 14
A brief dated header identifying the publication page and issue context for the Q&A.
-
Pathology and Laboratory: Surgical Pathology, 88386, 88399 (Q&A)
A question-and-answer discussion about a surgical pathology microarray service, with emphasis on CPT surgical pathology reporting and related documentation considerations.
What You Will Learn
- The article’s general focus within pathology and laboratory coding
- The type of coding scenario discussed in the Q&A format
- How the article frames the use of listed versus unlisted CPT pathology reporting
- What kinds of supporting documentation are discussed in connection with unlisted reporting
Who Should Read This
- Pathology coders
- Laboratory billing staff
- Compliance professionals
- Revenue cycle teams
- Medical coding educators
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com