Surgical pathology codes should be processed as reported.

Consultation during surgery with or without frozen section is payable separately under codes 88329-88332. When multiple frozen sections are reported, the first procedure should be paid under code 88331. Additional frozen sections should be combined under code 88332 with the appropriate multiplier.

Intraoperative cytologic examinations such as touch prep and squash prep are payable separately under codes 88333 and 88334. When multiple intraoperative cytologic examinations are reported, the initial site should be reported under code 88333. Additional sites should be reported under code 88334 with the appropriate multiplier. When an intraoperative examination requires a frozen section and cytologic evaluation, codes 88331 and 88334 may be reported.

Description

Procedure codes 88300-88309 designate surgical pathology studies. A specimen is defined as tissue or tissues that is (are) submitted for individual and separate attention, requiring individual examination and pathologic diagnosis.

Code 88300 represents any specimen that in the opinion of the examining pathologist can be accurately diagnosed without microscopic examination. Code 88302 is used when gross and microscopic examination is performed on a specimen to confirm identification and the absence of disease. Codes 88304-88309 represent all other specimens requiring gross and microscopic examination, and represent additional ascending levels of physician work. Levels 88302 through 88309 are specifically defined by the assigned specimens.