[Histonet] Re: Toe nail results...

[Robert Richmond]

Obviously these procedures on hard keratin (toenails) aren't
decalcifications, but is anybody billing them with the CPT code 88311
for decalcification (since there is no other applicable code, and
there isn't going to be)?

If so, how are you describing the procedure in the gross description
of the specimen? I'd be inclined to say something like "the specimen
is softened in 10% sodium hydroxide (similar to decalcification)
before processing".

Bob Richmond
Samurai Pathologist
Knoxville TN