Question:
To whom is code 88291 billable when reporting cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics interpretation and report?
Answer:
Code 88291 (cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics, interpretation and report) is billable only to the carrier as a professional fee service. When utilizing a reference laboratory for cytogenetic studies, it is necessary to ensure that the billing arrangement includes direction as to the testing laboratory’s responsibility to bill for the interpretation and report rather than passing this charge back to the referring hospital laboratory.
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