CPT Coding Basics for Histotechnologists (OLC)

Course overview

Current Procedural Coding (cpt) is used to transform histology laboratory work into billable reimbursement. The code is a numeric formalization of services rendered in the laboratory. The code is assigned during accession through the CPT computer dictionary incorporated in the Laboratory Information System (LIS). Although CPT coding is strictly regulated, there are situations which require understanding of CPT coding principles for discretionary applications. The goal of the workshop is that from the start of the billing process, the laboratory should be assured that its receipts from payers are not only optimal, but also secure from potential audit take-back and compliance violation. The workshop guides on the basics of CPT coding, such as unit of services, principles of matching CPT code descriptors and clinical data, including ICD-10-CM, evaluation of the technical (TC) and professional (PC) components, modifiers, as well as adherence to the rules of binding/unbinding specimen's codes. By using the case studies method, special attention will be devoted to principles of CPT coding immunohistochemistry (IHC) cases. Intraoperative and outside consultation CPT coding, which often generate difficulties, will be discussed in detail. Specifics of gross-only, cytology and some add-ons coding situations require special attention. The workshop's participants will become familiar with how to code some dermatopathology, bone, so-called "routine" and other specimens unlisted in AMA'd CPT codebook Standard Edition and absent in the LIS's computer dictionary.