Debra is correct, and I found this additional information from CPT Asst that might provide some more detail (see BOLD below.
December 2011 page 17
Bonus Feature: Special Q&A:Laboratory and Pathology
Question 1: Based on the descriptor language "requiring interpretation by physician," may code 88141, Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (any reporting system), requiring interpretation by physician, be reported by the attending physician (eg, gynecologist) when medically indicated? Carolyn Kent, MBA, MT (ASCP)
Answer 1: From a CPT coding perspective, it is appropriate for a physician to report code 88141 for physician interpretation of a Pap test, which is interpreted as abnormal by personnel performing the initial screening, including those interpreted as showing suspicious or malignant cells, those showing epithelial cell abnormality (eg, atypical cells of undetermined significance), or cellular changes simulating epithelial cell abnormality such as repair, radiation effect, and cellular changes associated with viral infection. Negative Pap smears, including smears reviewed for quality control purposes that do not require physician interpretation, should not be coded with the physician interpretation code (88141).
The basic professional requirement for the use of this code requires that the physician must be qualified to interpret the Pap test per the requirements of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), personally evaluates the cytology preparation, and bases his or her interpretation on this microscopic evaluation. This service is typically performed by a pathologist. If, however, the patient's attending physician is appropriately qualified, he or she may provide and report this service. As indicated in the introduction of the CPT codebook, it is important to recognize that the listing of a service or procedure and its code number in a specific section of this book does not restrict its use to a specific specialty group.
