[Histonet] 88331 and 88332 frozen section CPT codes (USA)

[RSRICHMOND <@t> aol.com]

Carolyn Demarinis asks: 
There seems to be some confusion on what codes to use when multiple frozens 
are sent on multiple specimens.
If two specimens are sent to the lab for frozen section labeled:
A)     left upper eyelid 12 o'clock marker
B)      left upper eyelid
Frozen section diagnosis on A) is basal cell carcinoma at margins.
Frozen section diagnosis on B) is no evident malignancy.
Am I correct in using 88331 x 2 in addition to 88305 x 2?
I am getting billing rejections stating that I should be using 88331 x 1, 
88332 x 1, 88305 x 2.
If so, please provide me with appropriate documentation.
***********************
Code 88331 for the first FS, and an 88332 for each additional frozen section 
on the case. And an 88305 for each specimen. Just as the rejection letter 
stated.

Documentation: the CPT coding manual. You do have one, don't you?

If your pathologists don't know how to code, they should learn how. You 
should be checking their coding (most of us make plenty of errors in coding), 
rather than being the primary coder.

Bob Richmond
Samurai Pathologist
Knoxville TN