Wiki 88331 w/88305 same specimen

[wenkeck]

I need an opinion on a pituitary tumor. Report states specimen A was entirely submitted for frozen section dx however there is a gross description and microscopic description of that specimen as well as the intra op consult description in the report. Is it right to charge 88331 for the FS as well as the surgical pathology code 88305? Im thinking it is because frozen section is not part of surgical pathology but I am looking for another opinion. Thanks.

 

[Labgirl]

I agree with you that it is appropriate to code an 88331 with the 88305. Path consults during surgery represent work which extends beyond the normal accession, examination and reporting which is performed during a gross and micro.