Question:
What code do we report for sentinel lymph nodes?
Answer:
Sentinel lymph node biopsies are significantly more complicated than other lymph node biopsy specimens. Unlike standard lymph node biopsies, sentinel lymph nodes must be serially sectioned and completely submitted. Multiple sections are prepared from each block. Therefore, sentinel nodes are assigned Level V, 88307.
This question was answered in our Coding Essentials for Laboratories. For more hot topics relating to laboratory services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.