[Histonet] CPT Code 88172

[Joe W. Walker, Jr.]

Hi Deanne,

We utilize the 88172-TC to capture the work that our cytotechs put into assisting with the FNA procedures.  This covers them making slides, staining them and triaging the specimen for any ancillary testing that might be needed.  The CPT code manual states, " Cytopathology, evaluation of fine needle aspirate; immediate cytohistologic study to determine adequacy for diagnosis, first evaluation episode, each site".  This code is used in conjunction with the 88177, which is for additional passes at the same site.  Keep in mind that these codes are also accompanied by 88173, which is defined as " Cytopathology, evaluation of fine needle aspirate; interpretation and report".  If a pathologist was not present to provide the immediate read for adequacy, then you may run into difficulties charging the TC for the 88172 and 88177 depending on the payer.

Does this help?

Joe W. Walker, Jr. MS, SCT(ASCP)
Anatomical Pathology Manager
joewalker at rrmc.org, www.rrmc.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Knutson, Deanne via Histonet <histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, September 4, 2019 11:39 AM
To: 'histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu' <histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Subject: [Histonet] CPT Code 88172

[External Email] This email originated from outside of the organization. Think before you click: Don’t click on links, open attachments or respond to requests for sensitive information if the email looks suspicious or you don’t recognize the sender.


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>






  ________________________________
This email may include confidential and privileged information. If this is not intended for your use, please destroy immediately and contact the sender of the message.

This email and attachments contain information that may be confidential or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, notify the sender at once and delete this message completely from your information system. Further use, disclosure, or copying of information contained in this email is not authorized, and any such action should not be construed as a waiver of privilege or other confidentiality protections.
_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu
https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.utsouthwestern.edu%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fhistonet&data=02%7C01%7Cjwwalker%40rrmc.org%7C6ea0323068a24ee67c3c08d7314e409a%7C0e55647d438e4a448437e959c3cf2240%7C0%7C0%7C637032084468590907&sdata=DqnTmRQ3EiAQpfGNhBHFrKljuNO5GjKNlEQVZAbw%2FEI%3D&reserved=0
[https://www.rrmc.org/app/files/public/2633/2019_hyht_sig-_jan2019_final.jpg]