CPC Radiology and Pathology Coding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which term describes the examination of tissue removed during surgery by a pathologist?
- Surgical pathology (Correct answer)
- Clinical pathology
- Cytopathology
- Forensic pathology
Correct answer: Surgical pathology
Surgical pathology (CPT 88300–88309) involves gross and microscopic examination of tissue specimens removed during a surgical procedure.
Question 2: What is a frozen section in pathology coding?
- Rapid intraoperative tissue analysis used to guide surgical decisions (Correct answer)
- Permanent tissue processing for final diagnosis
- Cytology of fluid specimens
- Immunohistochemical staining of archival tissue
Correct answer: Rapid intraoperative tissue analysis used to guide surgical decisions
A frozen section is an intraoperative rapid tissue analysis that provides the surgeon with a preliminary pathology result during the procedure.
Question 3: How are Pap smear CPT codes primarily categorized?
- By the screening method used (conventional vs. liquid-based) (Correct answer)
- By the patient's age
- By the number of slides prepared
- By the laboratory's accreditation level
Correct answer: By the screening method used (conventional vs. liquid-based)
Pap smear codes distinguish between conventional (glass slide) and liquid-based cytology (e.g., ThinPrep) preparation methods.
Question 4: Which CPT code range is used for nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures?
- 78000–78999 (Correct answer)
- 77000–77999
- 76000–76999
- 79000–79999
Correct answer: 78000–78999
Nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging procedures are reported using CPT codes 78000–78999.
Question 5: What does a panel code in laboratory coding represent?
- A group of tests commonly performed together, reported as one code (Correct answer)
- A test requiring a panel of expert reviewers
- A series of tests performed on separate days
- An insurance-required battery of tests
Correct answer: A group of tests commonly performed together, reported as one code
A panel code represents a predefined grouping of lab tests that are commonly ordered together, and the panel code must include all listed tests to bill it correctly.
Question 6: When a radiologist provides only the written interpretation of an image taken at another facility, which modifier should be used?
- -26 (Correct answer)
- -TC
- -77
- -32
Correct answer: -26
Modifier -26 identifies the professional component (physician interpretation and report) when billing separately from the technical component.
CPC Radiology and Pathology Coding 2
Which term describes the examination of tissue removed during surgery by a pathologist?