Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Question: Our pathologists often perform EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF molecular analyses. In addition to the molecular codes, we've been billing 88305 for evaluating the specimen to select tissue for the test. Someone has suggested that we should bill 88381 instead, since the primary pathologist has already examined these specimens. Which option is correct?Tennessee SubscriberAnswer: When your pathologist receives a previously diagnosed specimen and examines the tissue to select portions for molecular analysis, you should not charge 88305 (Level IV - Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination ...). Reserve that code for the initial pathology examination and diagnosis, which your pathologist does not perform, in the scenario you describe.Select one: Instead, you should select one of the following codes, depending on the process the pathologist uses to examine and select tissue for molecular pathology testing such as EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF: 88363 -- Examination and selection of retrieved archival (i.e., previously diagnosed) [...]