Diana,
In regard to the prostate needle biopsy, if they are separately identifiable
and separately diagnosed, then you may charge the 88305 X number of biopsies
submitted.
Debbie J. Siena, HT(ASCP)
Histopathology Manager
Baylor University Medical Center
Dallas, TX 75246
214-820-2465 vm
214-820-4110 fax
ds.jennings-siena@baylordallas.edu


-----Original Message-----
From: Goodwin, Diana [mailto:DGoodwin@CHSNJ.org]
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2000 10:10 AM
To: Goodwin, Diana; ds.jennings-siena@baylordallas.edu;
HistoNet@pathology.swmed.edu; 'MTBowers@aol.com'
Cc: UbertiM@bmds.com
Subject: RE: CPT coding/billing




> ----------
> From: 	MTBowers@aol.com[SMTP:MTBowers@aol.com]
> Sent: 	Thursday, July 13, 2000 8:07 PM
> To: 	DGoodwin@chsnj.org; ds.jennings-siena@baylordallas.edu;
> HistoNet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Cc: 	UbertiM@bmds.com
> Subject: 	Re: CPT coding/billing
> 
> Hello Diana,
> 
> In a message dated 07/13/2000 9:37:04 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
> DGoodwin@CHSNJ.org writes:
> 
> > Is there a way to charge on a per-block basis, rather than just
> 88300-88309 
> one 
> > time for each case?  
> 
> The unit of service for coding is the specimen.    
> 
> >  For example, under code 88305, both needle bx. of prostate, 2-3
> blocks, 
> and 
> >  prostate-TUR, 10-15 blocks are  listed.  Obviously, the TUR takes 3
> times 
> the 
> >  equipment, supplies, and tech-time to process.  
> 
> I have a question.  How are you getting 2-3 blocks on a prostate
> needle 
> biopsy?  Is there an abundance of tissue or are there multiple
> separately 
> identified biopsies?  If the later is the case, each of these
> separately 
> identified, reported biopsies should get it's own 88305.
Matt: 
	These are separate biopsies from the same surgical procedure,
ie, Left prostate bx and right prostate biopsy. So I should charge 88305
twice?

	Diana