Reporting Pathology and Laboratory Codes 81517, 82166, 87523 (June 2024)

Why This Topic Matters

Laboratory coding changes can affect claim accuracy, reporting consistency, and documentation alignment across multiple specialties and test types. This article helps readers identify where CPT® guidance changed and which laboratory topics are covered in the update.

Article Sections

1. Multianalyte Assays with Algorithmic Analyses

   Covers a CPT® laboratory subsection update involving a multianalyte assay and associated reporting guidance. The section situates the change within the broader pathology and laboratory code structure.

2. Chemistry

   Summarizes a chemistry subsection update and related guideline clarification for laboratory analyte reporting. The section also notes the broader reporting context within the chemistry code range.

3. Microbiology

   Describes a microbiology subsection update involving infectious agent testing and related cross-reference revisions. The section places the change in the context of hepatitis-related laboratory reporting.

4. Clinical Examples and Procedural Descriptions

   Provides example scenarios and procedure descriptions associated with the newly discussed laboratory codes. This material illustrates the general clinical contexts addressed by the article.