Why This Topic Matters

Frozen section reporting can vary based on how specimens are submitted and examined, so accurate understanding of the guidance helps support consistent CPT reporting for surgical pathology services.

Article Sections

1. Clarification on reporting CPT codes 88331 and 88332 for pathology frozen section(s)

   Introduces the reporting question and frames the discussion around intraoperative pathology consultation services. The section sets up multiple specimen-based scenarios involving frozen section examination.

2. Scenario A

   Describes a case involving skin cancer resection and a subsequent additional tissue submission from the same surgical area. The discussion focuses on how the situation is handled when more tissue is examined after an initial frozen section.

3. Scenario B

   Presents a case with two separate lesions and additional margin examination from one specimen. The section addresses reporting across multiple specimens and multiple frozen section examinations.

4. Scenario C

   Describes a breast tissue case involving an initial frozen section and a later additional tissue resection from the same wound. The section explains the reporting context for repeated examination of related tissue.

5. Note

   Summarizes the general scope of the frozen section reporting guidance. The note reinforces the distinction between initial tissue examination and subsequent additional block examination.