Hi Hazel,

I checked with our billing department and have been told that as long as the
stains are levels and EACH slide is interpreted and mentioned in the report,
then you may bill for each stained slide.  It is very interesting to hear how
different interpretations are made.  Good luck.



"Jennings-Siena, Debbie" wrote:

> Hi Hazel,
> You are correct, you may only charge each special stain once per specimen.
> With your kidney biopsy, you have 6 PAS stains which would be 88313 x1, 2
> Jones stains = 88313 X 1, and 1 trichrome = 88313 X 1.  The 88305 is the CPT
> code for the kidney biopsy gross and microscopic exam + the H&E stain.
> Debbie J. Siena, HT(ASCP)
> NSH Legislative Chair
> Baylor University Medical Center
> Dallas, TX 75246
> 214-820-2465 vm
> 214-820-4110 fax
> ds.jennings-siena@baylordallas.edu
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Horn, Hazel V [mailto:HornHV@archildrens.org]
> Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2001 9:12 AM
> To: 'histonet@pathology.swmed.edu'
> Subject: help for billing clarification
>
> I need some help with documentation for billing.    I have always understood
> that when billing for special stains or immunos, you can only bill once for
> a specific stain on each specimen.   i.e......1 renal biopsy = 6 pas stains,
> 2 jones' and 1 trichrome.   According to what I have always thought, that
> would be one 88305, and three 88313's.
>
> Because the CPT code book lists each after the 88313, some are saying we can
> bill for nine 88313's.     I am sure this is not right but I need it in
> WRITING for anyone to believe me.   Can anyone help me out???    Or I am
> wrong about this billing issue??
>
> Thanks,
> Hazel