88342 is meant to be used for immunohistochemistry, I would use 88313.  If
they are charging you by that cpt, they are probably getting about 3X as
much money from you as they should. 88342 can be charged for each antibody
used, last I looked, Congo Red didn't use antibodies.

cheryl

-----Original Message-----
From: Carpenter, Judith A. [mailto:Jude.Carpenter@vtmednet.org]
Sent: Monday, May 08, 2000 10:20 AM
To: 'NSH'
Subject: Everyone's favorite !!


I have some compliance questions...num, num.
What CPT codes do folks use for:
Congo Red (Puchtler's modification of Bennhold's), I thought 88313 but Mayo
has it listed as 88342.

Copper stains
Calcium stains
Urates

What do you feel are "Determinative Stains" for CPT code
88318 ("determinative histochemistry to identify chemical components, i.e.
copper, zinc")
 and 88319 ("determinative histochemistry or cytochemistry to identify
enzyme constituents,each").

Any help with this headache would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks !!
Jude
Jude Carpenter,BS, HTL(ASCP)
Chief Technologist/Surgical Pathology/Histology/Autopsy
FAHC/MCHV Campus
111 Colchester Ave.
Burlington,   VT  05401
(802)847-5116
FAX : (802)847-3509
jude.carpenter@vtmednet.org