Sandy:

When we go into our computer to charge for immuno's, each antibody has its
name attached to the charge and cpt code.  So if we do a vimentin, we put
in the code for vimentin.  That way if you were to look at the billing
tape/printout you would see exactly what stains we did.  We do have a
generic code for any new antibodies we may add along the way.
As for special stains, we charge for each stain, and if we have multiple
specimens- a,b,c- then we can charge for each special stain on the
different specimens.  I hope I am making myself clear.  We only have two
levels for special stains and no names associated with them, like we do for
the immuno's.  If you need further clarification, please let me know and I
will try again.

Kathy Liucci
Mesa, AZ

>>> Sandy Julsing <sandy.julsing@unitedhealth.org> 02/12 10:49 AM >>>
CPT Experts,
    If I understand a recent histonet question correctly, you can't charge
twice for the same antibody on two different blocks of the same case,  but
you CAN charge twice if it is two different antibodies.  Isn't the CPT code
used the same for all IgG antibodies?  So aren't you doing the same thing
in both cases, charging twice for the same CPT code?  How does the
difference between these two scenarios get deciphered by Medicare or the
Insurance powers that be?
   Just curious.      Sandosis

PS How does this relate to special stain charging when you perform the same
stain on several blocks of the same case...