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Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

CPT 2011:

88172, 88177 Changes Could Smash MUE Roadblock

Published on Mon Nov 08, 2010

Capture each 'evaluation episode' for FNA adequacy checkPer "pass" or per lesion -- how should you report 88172 (Cytopathology, evaluation of fine needle aspirate; immediate cytohistologic study to determine adequacy of specimen[s])? The answer today depends on the payer: per lesion/anatomic site for Medicare, but per "pass" for most other payers.Change ahead: CPT 2011 revises 88172 and adds a new fine needle aspiration (FNA) code -- two changes that will hopefully standardize your FNA coding once and for all.Per Evaluation Episode' is the New NormalHere are the CPT 2011 changes that impact FNA adequacy check coding:88172 (revised) -- Cytopathology, evaluation of fine needle aspirate; immediate cytohistologic study to determine adequacy of specimen(s) for diagnosis, first evaluation episode, each site [strike through is deleted text, bold is added text]88177 (new) -- ... immediate cytohistologic study to determine adequacy for diagnosis, each separate additional evaluation episode, same site (List separately in addition to code for primary [...]
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