[Histonet] BREAST IMPLANTS AND HARDWARE

[Vickroy, Jim]

Our pathology group charges a "gross only" charge for hardware and implants removed from surgery that go to the pathology department. Our current policy states that normally these devices do not have to be sent to pathology however when the material is requested by the patient to be returned to the patient or the patient's clinician it must go to the pathology department for accessioning and documentation.  Since we do a gross description and work with the proper paperwork for release of the items we currently charge an 88300 charge which is a gross only charge.  Our plastics department questions the necessity of this position and why we are charging for it.   Can anybody else share how they are handling these types of materials removed at surgery?   In addition our risk management team tells us that these devices have to have a release signed by the patient before they can be given to the patient or the patient's surgeon.


James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP)

Surgical  and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor
Memorial Medical Center
217-788-4046


________________________________
This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information intended for a specific individual and purpose, and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message. Any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited.