Please note this question was answered in 2021. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.
32608 vs 32666: Intraoperative Pathology
Date: Aug 6, 2021
Question:
The procedure performed was diagnostic VATS LUL wedge resection for a nodule. Intra-operative pathology confirms clear margins. The final diagnosis is adenocarcinoma of the LUL.
Would this be coded as diagnostic 32608 because the intent of the procedure was to biopsy the nodule? Or would this be coded as therapeutic 32666 because the final diagnosis is adenocarcinoma of the LUL and intra-operative pathology confirmed the margins were clear?
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