Question:
For fine needle aspirate, what code would we report when the cytotechnologist prepares slides from the needle aspirate and returns these slides to the pathologist for immediate evaluation?
Answer:
When the cytotechnologist prepares slides from the needle aspirate and returns these slides to the pathologist for immediate evaluation, 88172 may be reported. The submitting physician must be provided with a preliminary report from the pathologist regarding the specimen’s adequacy.
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