Which CPT code is used for a surgical pathology exam that includes gross and microscopic examination?

Which CPT code is used for a surgical pathology exam that includes gross and microscopic examination?

• A. 88304
• B. 88302
• C. 88320
• D. 88321

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that surgical pathology codes are organized by what work is performed, and a common, standard surgical pathology case includes both a gross (macroscopic) description and a microscopic examination with a final diagnosis in the report. The code that represents this typical, full-pathology exam is designed specifically for gross plus microscopic evaluation and the resulting diagnosis being documented. In this scenario, the service performed matches that standard pattern: a gross description is prepared, tissue is examined microscopically, and a final pathology diagnosis is provided in the report. That makes the base code for a gross and microscopic surgical pathology examination the best fit. Other codes in this group are used for different circumstances—such as smaller scope (e.g., fewer blocks or simpler specimens) or additional studies rather than the basic gross-and-microscopic exam. Because the question describes the routine exam that includes both gross and microscopic work with a final diagnosis, the appropriate choice is the code that explicitly covers that standard combination.

The main idea is that surgical pathology codes are organized by what work is performed, and a common, standard surgical pathology case includes both a gross (macroscopic) description and a microscopic examination with a final diagnosis in the report. The code that represents this typical, full-pathology exam is designed specifically for gross plus microscopic evaluation and the resulting diagnosis being documented.

In this scenario, the service performed matches that standard pattern: a gross description is prepared, tissue is examined microscopically, and a final pathology diagnosis is provided in the report. That makes the base code for a gross and microscopic surgical pathology examination the best fit.

Other codes in this group are used for different circumstances—such as smaller scope (e.g., fewer blocks or simpler specimens) or additional studies rather than the basic gross-and-microscopic exam. Because the question describes the routine exam that includes both gross and microscopic work with a final diagnosis, the appropriate choice is the code that explicitly covers that standard combination.