Compliance

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?