Compliance Question of the Week – Laboratory

Which codes are used to report cytology of fluids, washings, or brushings, and what does code 88104 specifically report?

When you perform AHG technique, do you report all three of the codes, or just 86922?

When interpreting a bone marrow biopsy, which code should be reported, and what additional code should be used if a cell block is prepared from the aspirated material and processed in the histology laboratory?

When applying an “antibody cocktail” which contains two or more separately interpretable antibodies, providers should refer to the NCCI policy narrative to determine billable units of service. According to the NCCI, how is the unit of service for immunohistochemistry defined and what are the guidelines for reporting multiplex antibody immunohistochemical staining procedures and antibody cocktails?

When coding for a diagnostic bone marrow biopsy and aspiration, how should you report the aspiration if it is performed through the same incision as the biopsy, and what codes should be used if the aspiration is performed from a separate site? Would we use G0364?

When physicians submit prescription pad orders for outpatients and write “CBC” with no signs, symptoms, or ICD-10 information, the registration staff will be in a quandary as to which test to select and what to do about medical necessity. Does the doctor want a differential? Should they ask the patient for diagnostic information?

What is the appropriate CPT code for a repeat HPV screening test performed on a woman with a positive result for high-risk HPV types, aimed at monitoring for persistent infection or cell changes?

What key components should be documented in the interpretive document of a cytogenetic study to ensure compliant billing?

Can you explain more about what code 88342 actually represents, and what is its primary purpose in diagnosing neoplasms?

What are the different groups of stains used in pathology examinations, and how are they differentiated in terms of coding in 2024?

What do the category III codes for digital pathology represent in 2023 and are there any new additional codes effective in 2024?

When both an adequacy assessment and a definitive diagnosis are rendered during a cytopathology evaluation, which codes should be reported?