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Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Use 85097 for Bone Smear Interpretations

Published on Thu Jan 01, 2004

Question: How should I report my oncologist's bone marrow interpretations?

Georgia Subscriber Answer: You should report the oncologist's exam and interpretation of the bone marrow smears as 85097 (Bone marrow, smear interpretation).
 
For example, if another physician, such as a pathologist or hematologist, performs the bone marrow collection (38220, Bone marrow; aspiration only) and asks your oncologist to interpret the bone smear, you would report 85097. The oncologist performed only the interpretation, not the bone marrow collection, which you should always report separately.
 
If, however, the oncologist interprets the bone smear and then sends the slide to a pathology lab for full review, you shouldn't report 85097. That's because the lab will also bill 85097, and most insurers will let practices submit the same code for the same patient only once.
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