Pathology 


Introduction

The Pathology and Laboratory section is organized according to the type of pathology or laboratory procedure performed.  There are subsections within each pathology and laboratory section.  Codes for laboratory tests performed on body fluids are ordered by physicians.  The tests are performed by technologists under the supervision of a physician.

Codes reported for pathology screening tests, tissue cultures and chromosome analysis  are under the Cytopathology and Cytogenetic studies, respectively.  Surgical pathology subsections codes are reported when a specimen(s) removed during surgery require pathologic diagnosis.  These codes are organized according to level.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
  • Apply physician-billing guidelines for coding laboratory services
  • State the appropriate use of organ- or disease-oriented panels
  • Select pathology level codes associated with pathological examination and diagnosis

Readings & Resources

Required textbook reading:  Kuehn, Lynn.  Procedural Coding and Reimbursement for Physician Services:  Applying Current Procedural Terminology and HCPCS.  AHIMA Press. 2012 edition. Chapter 6
 
Required textbook reading:  Smith, Gail.  Basic Current Procedural Terminology and HCPCS Coding.  AHIMA Press.  Most current edition Chapter 6
 
AMA, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) 2013. Professional Edition.
 
Visit Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (codes waived under CLIA Act)
 
Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule

Assignments and Activities