- Messages
- 1
- Location
- Tindivanam, TN
Question:
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy procedure note documents successful aspiration (12 mL marrow obtained from left posterior iliac crest). Bone marrow biopsy was attempted twice but no core specimen was obtained ("core biopsy attempted twice without success"). Pathology received aspirate only. Should this be reported as CPT 38220 only, or is 38221-52 appropriate for the unsuccessful biopsy attempt?
My View:
Since no biopsy specimen was obtained, I do not believe the biopsy service described by 38221 was completed. Additionally, 38222 would not be appropriate because both the aspiration and biopsy were not successfully performed. I would report 38220 for the completed aspiration only and not report 38221. Interested in hearing if anyone has payer-specific experience or guidance supporting 38221-52 when a bone marrow biopsy is attempted but no core specimen is obtained. - Aspiration completed, biopsy unsuccessful.
Please confirm.
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy procedure note documents successful aspiration (12 mL marrow obtained from left posterior iliac crest). Bone marrow biopsy was attempted twice but no core specimen was obtained ("core biopsy attempted twice without success"). Pathology received aspirate only. Should this be reported as CPT 38220 only, or is 38221-52 appropriate for the unsuccessful biopsy attempt?
My View:
Since no biopsy specimen was obtained, I do not believe the biopsy service described by 38221 was completed. Additionally, 38222 would not be appropriate because both the aspiration and biopsy were not successfully performed. I would report 38220 for the completed aspiration only and not report 38221. Interested in hearing if anyone has payer-specific experience or guidance supporting 38221-52 when a bone marrow biopsy is attempted but no core specimen is obtained. - Aspiration completed, biopsy unsuccessful.
Please confirm.