Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Payer Leads Pap Interpretation Code Choice
Question: What’s the difference between G0141 and 88141, and when should we use one code over the other? Texas Subscriber Answer: Both codes describe physician interpretation of an abnormal Pap smear: The difference between the codes is that G0141 describes interpretation following a screening Pap test, while 88141 describes interpretation following a diagnostic Pap test for Medicare beneficiaries. Non-Medicare payers accept 88141 for interpretation of abnormal screening or diagnostic Pap tests. Medicare requires you to use HCPCS Level II codes for screening Pap tests, including the physician interpretation when the findings are abnormal. Either G0141 or 88141 is appropriate when the technical Pap test results in abnormal findings, such as the following:
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