Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Use New Code for Computer-Assisted ER/PR
Question: We perform ER/PR as immunoperoxidase stains, and the pathologist manually scores the slides to quantify the percent staining. How should we report this service? Answer: Before CPT 2005 clarified coding for this scenario, yours was a loaded question. Now the correct answer to your question is clear: Report 88360 (Morphometric analysis, tumor immunohistochemistry [e.g., Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor), quantitative or semiquantitative, each antibody; manual]) because the pathologist performs a manual morphometric analysis of the immunohistochemistry (IHC)-stained slides.
Pennsylvania Subscriber
Under the old code set, you had to choose between 88342 (Immunohistochemistry [including tissue immunoperoxidase], each antibody) and 88361 (Morphometric analysis; tumor immunohistochemistry [e.g., Her-2/neu, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor) quantitative or semiquantitative) for IHC estrogen receptor (ER) assay and progesterone receptor (PR) assay.
The code choice depended on whether the test was qualitative or quantitative/semiquantitative. But because CMS stated that you should only report 88361 for computer-assisted IHC morphometric analysis, coders did not have a code that accurately described a manual quantification of the ER/PR (or other IHC) slides. The addition of 88360 in CPT 2005 solves this coding dilemma.
Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
- CPT 2005:
Get Ready for Morphometric Analysis Code Changes
Automation distinction is the key You can stop pulling out your hair over how to [...] - What's the Difference in Her-2/neu Tests?
Some measure the gene, some measure the protein product
You see so many different Her-2/neu tests [...] - IHC Coding Preview:
Know the Method for CPT 2005
After 2004's confusion concerning the new code for immunohistochemistry (IHC) tumor morphometry (88361, Morphometric analysis; [...] - Think You Have Plenty of Time For New Codes? Think Again
CMS scraps the 90-day grace period
You used to have until April [...] - You Be the Coder:
Blood Culture Anaerobe Rules
Question: When a physician orders blood culture for suspected bacteremia, the lab performs both an [...] - CPT 2005:
The Spotlight's on Chemisty & Flow Cytometry - Are You Ready?
Watch for immunology and surgical pathology changes, too Starting Jan. 1, you have new clinical [...] - Here's How to Play 'The Price Is Right' for Clinical Lab Tests
Count on new-code rates for 2005 Here's the Medicare payment scoop you need for 11 [...] - Reader Question:
'Other' Pathology Procedures Have New Codes
- Reader Question:
Multiple Tests Can Reduce Pay
Question: When our lab bills Medicare for a comprehensive metabolic panel and a lipid panel [...] - Reader Question:
Use New Code for Computer-Assisted ER/PR
Question: We perform ER/PR as immunoperoxidase stains, and the pathologist manually scores the slides to quantify [...] - Reader Question:
Phlebotomy Depends on Payer, Method
Question: What is the correct code for phlebotomy services (blood draw)?
Nebraska Subscriber Answer: That depends [...] - Reader Question:
Apply Special Stain Codes With Primary Service
Question: When the pathologist performs special stains on a tissue specimen, such as an AFB [...]
