Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Question: When our cytology lab processes a cyst aspirate specimen, how do we know when to use non-gyn cytopathology code(s) versus FNA code(s)? Is the cyst location the key (such as breast versus cervical)?Florida SubscriberAnswer: What distinguishes your cytopathology code selection for cysts or other cellular material is not body site (breast or other), but the specimen itself. The specimen type is based on the surgical procedure used to acquire the cells.Non-gyn cytopathology: The physician may acquire the specimen by performing a puncture aspiration using a needle (such as 19000, Puncture aspiration of cyst of breast; or 10160, Puncture aspiration of abscess, hematoma, bulla, or cyst; or 32421, Thoracentesis, puncture of pleural cavity for aspiration, initial or subsequent). For specimens from these and similar surgical procedures used to acquire non-gyn cytology specimens, you should code your cytopathology exam using code(s) from the following list:88104-88107 -- Cytopathology, fluids, washings or brushings, except [...]