Kateri Courtney asked:
On the Ruby exam; question 56; I still do not understand the explanation of this answer. 88331 says the first tissue block which is one section and frozen sections. 88332 is for additional blocks. So why does the 88331 have 2 and 88332 have only one? I am so confused on this and keep missing it on all practice exams I take. Can I get a little better explanation? The rationale on the exam isnt clarifying it for me.
Thanks again!
Kateri Courtney
Answer:
The pathologist examines a tissue block at the request of the surgeon during the course of the surgical procedure to identify the presence or absence of disease or malignancy and/or to determine whether the surgical margins are free of disease or malignancy. A tissue block is a sample of tissue submitted as a single specimen that has been prepared for examination. A gross examination of the tissue block is performed. The tissue block is then flash frozen and cut into thin sections and each frozen section is examined microscopically. The pathologist provides an initial verbal report of findings including the presence or absence of neoplasm or other disease; the extent of involvement; the presence or absence of clean margins; and any other clinically significant characteristics of the tissue sample. A written report is also provided and placed in the medical record. Report [88329](https://www.findacode.com/code.php?set=CPT&c=88329) for the pathology consult only during surgery without
tissue block examination. Use [88331](https://www.findacode.com/code.php?set=CPT&c=88331) for the first tissue block and all frozen sections from the first tissue block. Use [88332](https://www.findacode.com/code.php?set=CPT&c=88332) for each additional tissue block with frozen sections.
*88331 and 88332 are for frozen sections. Code 88331 is used for the first specimen. Code 88331 and 88332 are needed for the second specimen which had two tissue blocks. Therefore; 88331x2; 88332 are the correct codes.
[88331](http://www.findacode.com/code.php?set=CPT&c=88331)first tissue block; with frozen section(s); single specimen
[88332](http://www.findacode.com/code.php?set=CPT&c=88332)each additional tissue block with frozen section(s) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
**2 Tissue Blocks performed
On the Ruby exam; question 56; I still do not understand the explanation of this answer. 88331 says the first tissue block which is one section and frozen sections. 88332 is for additional blocks. So why does the 88331 have 2 and 88332 have only one? I am so confused on this and keep missing it on all practice exams I take. Can I get a little better explanation? The rationale on the exam isnt clarifying it for me.
Thanks again!
Kateri Courtney
Answer:
The pathologist examines a tissue block at the request of the surgeon during the course of the surgical procedure to identify the presence or absence of disease or malignancy and/or to determine whether the surgical margins are free of disease or malignancy. A tissue block is a sample of tissue submitted as a single specimen that has been prepared for examination. A gross examination of the tissue block is performed. The tissue block is then flash frozen and cut into thin sections and each frozen section is examined microscopically. The pathologist provides an initial verbal report of findings including the presence or absence of neoplasm or other disease; the extent of involvement; the presence or absence of clean margins; and any other clinically significant characteristics of the tissue sample. A written report is also provided and placed in the medical record. Report [88329](https://www.findacode.com/code.php?set=CPT&c=88329) for the pathology consult only during surgery without
tissue block examination. Use [88331](https://www.findacode.com/code.php?set=CPT&c=88331) for the first tissue block and all frozen sections from the first tissue block. Use [88332](https://www.findacode.com/code.php?set=CPT&c=88332) for each additional tissue block with frozen sections.
*88331 and 88332 are for frozen sections. Code 88331 is used for the first specimen. Code 88331 and 88332 are needed for the second specimen which had two tissue blocks. Therefore; 88331x2; 88332 are the correct codes.
[88331](http://www.findacode.com/code.php?set=CPT&c=88331)first tissue block; with frozen section(s); single specimen
[88332](http://www.findacode.com/code.php?set=CPT&c=88332)each additional tissue block with frozen section(s) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
**2 Tissue Blocks performed
Last edited: