Laboratory Question for the Week of July 1, 2024

Question:

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

Answer:

Codes in the 88104–88106 series are used to report cytology of fluids, washings, or brushings (except cervical or vaginal). “Code 88104 is used to report cytology evaluation of smear specimens, including alcohol fixed, Papanicolaou, direct smear with 95 percent ethanol, or liquid fixative.”

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