[Histonet] CPT Code 88172

[Victoria Baker]

Hi,

I just referred back to my sometimes frustrating clear as mud 2019 CPT
coding binder.
88172 is not saying that it has to be done by a pathologist.  In many cases
it is completed by a Cytotechnologist.
The precise wording says
"Cytopathology, evaluation of fine needle aspirate; immediate
cytohistologic study to determine adequacy for diagnosis, first evaluation
episode each site
The professional code comes in on 88173 where it involves the
interpretation and report.

The stance that it is a tech component comes from the
Cytologist/pathologist obtaining the specimen.  However they are
responsible for the adequacy of of the specimen.  The argument goes both
ways.

At this institution we use it as a professional code only.

Vikki

On Wed, Sep 4, 2019, 11:43 AM Knutson, Deanne via Histonet <
histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu> wrote:

> Hello Histonetters!
>
> I am wondering how others may be using the cpt code 88172-T?  Like in what
> type of scenarios?
>
> Thank you for your responses.
>
> Deanne Knutson
> Supervisor
> Anatomic Pathology
> dknutson at primecare.org<mailto:dknutson at primecare.org>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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