Wiki 88329

[aleigh]

Hi,
I have a pathologist trying to bill 88329 for placing tissue into preservative after an ultrasound guided biopsy is performed. It's being sent to another hospital for interpretation. Are they able to bill anything for doing this?
Thanks

 

[CodingKing]

Here is a link to the information on what need to be done to be able to use that code. If its merely collecting the specimen and putting it in a jar no you cannot bill this code. Criteria below has to be met

http://coder.aapc.com/scc_guides/si...al-pathology-consultation-intraoperative-2082

Don’t forget the 3 R’s: As with any consultation, you can use 88329-88334 only when the pathologist gets a “request” for the service, “renders” a medical opinion, and files a written “report.”
Meet special conditions: In addition to the 3 R’s, the specific nature of these consultation codes is that the
pathologist gives immediate feedback to the surgeon during the surgical procedure. The pathologist provides a medical opinion that may influence the course of the surgery.

1. Learn Parent Code Limits
Use 88329 when the pathologist consults with the surgeon but only performs a gross tissue examination. When the surgeon asks for a quick look at a specimen or a margin during surgery and the pathologist does not perform a microscopic exam, you should report this code.

 

[aleigh]

Thanks!