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Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Adding Arrays? -- Think Again

Published on Tue Mar 24, 2009

Question: We perform an HLA oligotyping test involving 630 probes in a DNA chip. Since the array codes describe only tests for up to 500 probes, should we list multiple units of these codes? Wisconsin Subscriber Answer: No, you should not report the array codes additively to indicate a test that has more than 500 probes. Instead: You-ll have to list the array you describe using a non-specific lab code such as 88399 (Unlisted surgical pathology procedure). The array codes are as follows: - 88384 -- Array-based evaluation of multiple molecular probes; 11 through 50 probes - 88385 -- - 51 through 250 probes - 88386 -- - 251 through 500 probes To report an array, you should select the single code that describes the number of probes involved in the test. For an array for 630 probes, you should not list 88385 and 88386 to represent 130 probes and 500 probes respectively. [...]
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