The professional component for a decalcification specimen is charged 1) looking
at the slide which would be covered by the initial code 2) decalcification
(88311) - add on code for additional time spent for gross preparation. (cutting
the bone with a saw etc.) The relative value unit (RVU)  for the professional
component (88311) is .34 versus technical at .10. Medicare reimburses ( in our
state) $11.95 professional and $3.53 for technical.  ( not very much considering
how many blade you might go through on a specimen!)

"Horn, Hazel" wrote:

> Can you explain to me how this code could possibly have a professional
> component???
> Hazel
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: sheppard@wfubmc.edu [SMTP:sheppard@wfubmc.edu]
> > Sent: Monday, April 17, 2000 07:58 AM
> > To:   Tapper, Sheila
> > Cc:   'histonet'
> > Subject:      Re: CPT coding
> >
> > This is both a techinical and professional code.
> >
> > "Tapper, Sheila" wrote:
> >
> > > Are there any facilities that charge a professional fee for an 88311 -
> > > decalcification?  I have assumed (probably incorrectly!) that this was a
> > > technical only code, since it is tagged onto the specimen code.
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > Sheila Tapper
> > > Anatomic Pathology Team Leader
> > > SMDC Health System
> > > Duluth, MN << File: Card for Beth Sheppard >>