Compliance Question of the Week – Laboratory

Can we report 36415 for finger sticks or draw lines? What are the status indicators for this code in 2024?

Are there still coding and compliance risks posed by COVID-19 testing and protocol? Is there a potential for audits in the future?

Why should codes 88362 and 88380-88381 not be billed together on the same date of service?

Can you clarify the coding relationship for flow cytometry codes between physician interpretation and markers analyzed?

What codes do we report for the technical component of flow cytometry tests for identifying a specific cell surface in 2024?

When do we report 88367 vs. 88368?

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?