You Be the Coder:
Trichrome Stain
Published on Sat Jul 01, 2000
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the box below for the answer.
Question: How should we code a trichrome stain that is done in microbiology as a second technique to an ova and parasite workup? Is the correct code different if we are testing for microorganisms?
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Answer: Codes 88312 (special stains; group I for microorganisms, each) and CPT 88313 (special stain; group II, all other, [e.g., iron, trichrome], except immunocytochemistry and immunoperoxidase stains, each) are used to report special stains. Determining the correct code depends upon the specimen and the reason for the pathology examination. If the reason for the stain is microorganisms, use code 88312. The types of stains found within the parenthesis in the description of these codes in CPT are to provide examples only.
Editors note: Laurie Castillo, MA, CPC, president of American Association of Professional Coders Northern Virginia Chapter and owner of Physician Coding & Compliance Consulting in Manassas, Va., provided advice to answer You Be the Coder.
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