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Skin biopsy for fibroblast culture

andersee

andersee

Expert
Messages
322
Location
Rose City (Portland, Oregon)
Hi, Everyone:

We have a patient who needs a skin biopsy for genetic testing. It cannot be done with blood because the patient has CML/CLL. I've heard we should not use the 11100 code because we will not be sending it to path. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks much!

Erin
 
So I did a bit of research, and I believe you are correct in that 11100 is most appropriate when the specimen is being taken for histopathology (microscopy examination to determine the nature of the tissue sampled).

The only thing I can equate this scenario to is when a specimen is obtained for a clinical lab test such as a KOH prep or Wet Mount/smear preparation. In both cases, the "obtaining of the specimen" is included in any E/M billed for that encounter and is not billed for separately.

I am unable to find another code that code be used, it it may not actually be billable for obtaining the specimen.
 
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