Question

question 17 (2.5 points)
in what section of the pathology chapter of cpt® will a coder find codes for a fish test?
cytopathology
chemistry
immunology
other procedures

question 18 (2.5 points)
a patient has a cholecystectomy and a soft tissue lipoma removed during the same operative session. both specimens were sent to pathology in separate containers are examined by the pathologist. what cpt® code(s) are reported?
88305 x 2
88305, 88304
88304, 88302
88304 x 2

Explanation:

Identify CPT section for FISH test

Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) is a molecular cytogenetic technique. In the CPT Pathology and Laboratory chapter, FISH tests (such as codes 88271-88275) are classified under the Cytopathology/Cytogenetic Studies section. Among the given options, Cytopathology is the correct section.

Determine CPT codes for the pathology specimens

The pathologist receives two separate specimens:

1. Gallbladder (from cholecystectomy): Under CPT Surgical Pathology guidelines, a gallbladder (except for tumor/resection) is classified as a Level IV specimen, which maps to code 88305.
2. Lipoma (soft tissue): Under CPT Surgical Pathology guidelines, a lipoma (or skin/subcutaneous tissue, simple lipoma) is classified as a Level III specimen, which maps to code 88304.

Therefore, the correct codes are 88305 and 88304.

Answer:

Question 17

• (A) Cytopathology (Correct answer)
• (B) Chemistry
• (C) Immunology
• (D) Other Procedures

Question 18

• (A) 88305 x 2
• (B) 88305, 88304 (Correct answer)
• (C) 88304, 88302
• (D) 88304 x 2