Hi Tom,
When performing special stains, there are two codes that come into use,
88312 and 88313.  The 88312 is for Group I for microorganisms, such as GMS,
AFB, Gram, PAS for fungus.  The 88313 is for all the other routine special
stains, except immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemical stains.  The
"List separately in addition to code for surgical pathology examination",
means that in addition to a CPT code for the type of surgical specimen, you
may charge a special stain charge also, for each different type of special
stain performed on the specimen.  For example, if you have a skin biopsy
and you do a GMS, PAS for fungus and a Gram stain, then you may charge a
88305 + 88312 X 3.  The downer part is if you do a PAS X 7 on a kidney
biopsy, you only get to charge a 88305 +  (1) 88312, not seven.  I hope that
this is the answer that you needed.  
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: Gronert, Tom [mailto:TomGronert@chi-east.org]
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2000 12:40 PM
To: 'histonet@pathology.swmed.edu'
Subject: charging for special stains


When billing for special stains, we are appending CPT 88312 for group I
stains. However, there is some confusion when it comes to how we can bill.
The CPT book states this code is to be used for special stain group I...
each. Does this mean each slide that gets stained or each type of stain
used? Any help on how you interpret this would be greatly appreciated.

				Tom Gronert
				L.I.S. Manager
				St Joseph Medical Center, Baltimore Md.