Question

question 3

a 27-year-old male dies of a gunshot wound. an autopsy is performed to gain evidence for the police investigation and any subs code describes this service?

88005
88025
88045
88040

Explanation:

Identify the nature of the autopsy service

The autopsy is performed specifically to gain evidence for a police investigation, which classifies it as a forensic (coroner's) autopsy rather than a standard clinical autopsy.

Compare CPT code definitions

• 88005: Necropsy (autopsy), gross examination only; without CNS.
• 88025: Necropsy (autopsy), gross and microscopic; hepatobiliary/pancreatic.
• 88045: Necropsy (autopsy); forensic examination.
• 88040: Necropsy (autopsy); coroner's call.

Select the correct code

An autopsy performed for legal/police investigation purposes is coded as a forensic examination using CPT code 88045.

Answer:

• 88005
• 88025
• 88045 (Correct answer)
• 88040