Ask Dr. Z

There is much confusion at our hospital (physician billing) about biopsies with regard to wording of dictation (biopsy, aspiration, FNA, core biopsy, etc.).  There has also been confusion about the CPT codes appropriate for billing biopsies in various areas.  For example, is code 49180 appropriate for ALL biopsies in abdominal/peritoneal area (including muscle, lymph nodes, deep, superficial, etc.)?  Is code 38505 used for ALL superficial lymph nodes?  Only a few are listed in documentation we have found, but it would seem that others would also use this code (such as iliac lymph node).  We are trying to have a better understanding so that these are billed appropriately by everyone.  I would really appreciate your expertise.