Surgical pathology CPT® codes

1. Lymph node biopsy at level 2 and 4
2. Lymph node biopsy, level 7 subcarinal

Can anybody suggest appropriate codes from 88302 - 88309

re: Surgical pathology CPT® codes

88305 describes lymph node biopsy. If the specimens are in separate containers and each separately identified for surgical pathology (x3)

re: Surgical pathology CPT® codes

Thanks a lot Nancy.

but some where i have read that: for multiple lymph nodes CPT® 88307 is appropriate (for single 88305).. could you explain me in this regard.

Thanks in advance..

re: Surgical pathology CPT® codes

88307 describes lymph node regional resection (not biopsy). The amount of lymph nodes does not represent“ regional resection” but the nature of surgical action does. If the lymph nodes are not intended to be taken out from a region in a packet, they are biopsies. The definition of “Lymph Node, Regional Resection” is the main difficulty in lymph node CPT® coding. The unit of coding/charge is the “specimen.” According
to CPT®, “A specimen is defined as tissue or tissues that is (are) submitted for individual and separate attention, requiring individual examination and pathologic diagnosis.”