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Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Capture Imprints and Frozens -- When You Can

Published on Fri Nov 13, 2009

Question: The pathology report for a colon biopsy states, "rapid imprints and frozen section evaluated during surgery." The pathologist wants to bill 88331, 88333, and 88305. What is a "rapid imprint," and is this coding correct? Maine Subscriber Answer: The term "rapid imprint" refers to a cytology specimen that the pathologist acquires by touching or squashing a slide against a tissue specimen. Other names for the same specimen type includes "touch prep," "touch imprint," "squash prep," etc. Because you state that the pathologist performs the touch prep and frozen section during surgery, you should report the following codes: • 88331 -- Pathology consultation during surgery; first tissue block, with frozen section(s), single specimen • 88334 -- ... cytologic examination (e.g., touch prep, squash prep), each additional site. Your pathologist was almost correct with 88331 and 88333 (... cytologic examination [e.g., touch prep, squash prep], initial site), but a CPT note following [...]
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