[Histonet] RE: billing for breast cases

[Weems, Joyce]

Are you doing frozens?  I don't understand why he would go back without microscopic confirmation of need. J

Joyce Weems 
Pathology Manager 
Saint Joseph's Hospital 
5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE 
Atlanta, GA 30342 
678-843-7376 - Phone 
678-843-7831 - Fax 



-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Hutton, Allison
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 13:46
To: Hutton, Allison; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] RE: billing for breast cases

I have gotten many great responses.  However, I just want to make a few clarifications based on those responses.  All of these specimens are taken at one time.  This surgeon is not going back at a later date and taking these margins.  Generally the cases are recieved as follows:  sentinel nodes, lumpectomy, additional anterior, superior, medial, lateral, deep margins.  90% of the time we do an gross assessment of the margins for the lumpectomy then the additional margins follow.  
Thanks
Allison

>  -----Original Message-----
> From: 	Hutton, Allison  
> Sent:	Wednesday, December 29, 2010 12:29 PM
> To:	'histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu'
> Subject:	billing for breast cases
> 
> A debate has arisen and I am looking to histonet for a more definitive answer.  We have a breast surgeon who, after he removes the lumpectomy specimen, always goes back and removes more tissue around the margins of the lumpectomy.  Our question is how should these additional margins be charged.  Currently we charge an 88305 for each of the additional margins (there are no sutures indicating any orientation, however, one can determine the old and new margins).  Is 88305 the correct charge in this situation or should they be higher at an 88307?
> Thank you in advance,
> Allison
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