CPT Path/Lab
Define block
Block - frozen piece of specimen
Surgical path codes are used to report?
Evaluation of specimens to determine disease pathology All tissue removed during procedures undergoes path evaluation
What are organ or disease oriented panels?
Groups of tests often ordered together
To accurately code, what must a coder identify?
Identify the specific tests performed Method of test used Reason for test Constituents being test for Equipment used - automated vs nonautomated Number of tests performed In some cases, the codes differ between qualitative/quantitative and automated versus non-automated
What is a clinical path consultation?
Is a service, including a written report, rendered by a pathologist in response to a request from an attending physician in relation to a test result(s) requiring additional medical interpretive judgment If done without interpretation, it is NOT considered a clinical pathology consultation
Hematology and Coagulation What do these codes represent?
Lab procedures performed on blood Codes divided based on method of Blood draw Test being conducted
The pathology and laboratory codes report what?
Laboratory tests only Specimen collection is coded separately
What are the levels of the clinical pathology consults?
Limited - without review of medical record Comprehensive - with review of medical record
Name two types of pathologic examination
Microscopic - with microscope Gross: without microscope
Organ and Disease Oriented panels describe what?
Procedures performed most commonly for specific diseases(ie hepatitis or arthritis) or for specific organs(thyroid or hepatic function)
qualitative
Qualitative - expressing whether a substance is present or absent in a specimen ONLY
quantitative
Quantitative - expressing presence and specific numerical amounts of substance in a specimen
What are the levels based on?
Reason for evaluation Based on specimen examined Levels are divided on complexity of examination
What are the 3 ways in which you look up these codes in the alpha index?
Specific name of test Specific substance/specimen/sample Specific method used
Define specimen
Specimen - sample of tissue of suspect area
Anatomic Pathology What do these codes represent?
To code postmortem examinations (autopsies) Reports only the physician service Codes are divided on extent of exam
Differentiate Urinalysis and Chemistry Codes
Urinalysis is testing urine samples Chemistry can be performed on several types of specimens, urine, blood, sputum and feces Chemistry codes report individual chemistry tests that are not performed as part of the automated organ or disease oriented panels Typically these test are quantitative in nature
When are surgical path codes used?
When pathologists either Reviews slides, material or reports Provides consultation during surgery Also is reported on specimen, block or section
What is cyogenetic studies?
Branch of genetics concerned with cellular abnormalities and pathologic conditions
Evocative/Suppression testing description provides what information?
Description for each panel identifies the type of test(s) included in that panel Number of times a specific test is performed
Define section
Section: slice of frozen block
How many levels of surgical pathology
Six levels
What are the rules of panels?
All tests must be conducted Do not use -52, reduced services Additional tests, over those in panel, are reported separately If all tests in panel not done, List each test separately Do not use panel code
What are facility indicators?
Allow additional tests without physician's written order
What are the evocative/suppression testing codes used for?
Allows the physician to determine a baseline and the effects on the body after evocative or suppressive agents are administered
