A physician performed a biopsy of the thyroid with the use of a percutaneous core needle, using fluoroscopic guidance. Aspirate was sent to the laboratory so that the pathology of the disease could be determined. What is the correct code for this procedure?
Explanation
Answer: C - The correct codes for the procedure are: 60100 (Biopsy Thyroid, Percutaneous Core Needle) and 77002 (Fluoroscopic Guidance for Needle Placement (e.g. Biopsy, Aspiration, Injection, Localization Device)). Pathology codes 88172 and 88173 should not be coded by the physician because he or she did not perform the laboratory service. The lab performed the services separately and should code for them separately. Furthermore, the most appropriate radiology code is 77002 because the guidance provided was fluoroscopic
