AMA CPT® Assistant - 2005 Issue 7 (July)
Pathology and Laboratory: Surgical Pathology (July 2005)
July 2005 page 13 Coding Consultation: Questions and Answers Pathology, 88305 (Q&A), Surgical Question If three cell blocks are prepared from a single pleural fluid sample, is it appropriate to report three units of 88305 , Level IVSurgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination for a cell block, any source? AMA Comment No, the unit of service for a cell block-- 88305 --is the specimen. Just as the number of blocks is irrelevant to the units of service for any specimen, the unit of service (in this case 88305 ) for a single pleural fluid specimen is not multiplied irrespective...
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Article Overview
This article presents a pathology and laboratory coding consultation focused on surgical pathology reporting in CPT. It explains the topic through a question-and-answer format and is relevant to coders, billers, and pathology practices reviewing specimen-based service reporting guidance from the July 2005 CPT Assistant content.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers understand the scope of a pathology coding discussion centered on specimen-based surgical pathology reporting and how the article frames a common billing question.
Article Sections
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Coding Consultation: Questions and Answers
A brief Q&A discussion in pathology and laboratory coding that addresses surgical pathology reporting for a specimen-based service. The section presents an AMA comment on the reporting context.
What You Will Learn
- The article’s focus within pathology and laboratory coding
- How the Q&A format is used to address a surgical pathology reporting question
- The general subject of specimen-based service reporting in CPT-based pathology guidance
- The type of coding consultation published in July 2005
Who Should Read This
- Pathology coders
- Laboratory billers
- Revenue cycle staff
- Compliance teams
- Pathology practice managers
Codes Discussed
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