We are reviewing our policies regarding tissues from the OR that should be
sent to pathology and tissues that are exempt.
We have some orthopedic surgeons that feel strongly that a lot of their
specimens do not have to be sent to pathology.  Some cardiac surgeons do not
believe that plaque should be sent, and so forth.  I need some feedback on
this issue.  I know alot of the tissues that are currently not being sent
would only have a gross exam however isn't it important to document the
removal of the tissue by giving it a gross description.

The Illinois Administrative Code gives a list of exempt tissues and the main
question comes from the following statement:

This is in the list of tissue that does not have to be submitted to
pathology:

Bone, cartilage, normal skin and scar tissue that are coincidentally removed
during the course of cosmetic or corrective surgery.

This has generated discussion on what does conincidentally removed means.  I
would appreciate your thoughts on this.




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