August 1997 page 18d
Coding Consultation
Pathology & Laboratory, 88161 (Q&A)
What are "touch preps" and how should touch preps performed as part of pathology consultations during surgery be coded?
AMA Comment
Cytologic touch or crush preps of tissue are a useful adjunct to frozen section examination. Although these preparations do not replace routine frozen sections, they are often an invaluable supplement in arriving at a diagnosis. For reporting a touch preparation provided in conjunction with frozen section or as a part of intraoperative consultations that do not involve frozen sections, use CPT code 88161, Cytopathology, smears, any...
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