Question

question 13

a 27-year-old male dies of a gunshot wound. an autopsy is performed to gain evidence for the police investigation and any subsequent trial. what cpt® code is reported?

88005
88040
88025
88045

Explanation:

Identify the nature of the autopsy

The autopsy is performed on a gunshot wound victim specifically to gather evidence for a police investigation and subsequent trial, which classifies it as a forensic autopsy.

Match with CPT code definitions

• 88005: Necropsy (autopsy), gross only; deep organ and/or spinal cord.
• 88025: Necropsy (autopsy), gross and microscopic; hepatobiliary/pancreatic.
• 88040: Necropsy (autopsy); forensic examination.
• 88045: Necropsy (autopsy); coroner's call.

Select the correct CPT code

Since the procedure is a forensic examination to collect legal evidence, the correct CPT code is 88040.

Answer:

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