CPT® Code 88005

A necropsy, commonly referred to as an autopsy, is a thorough examination of a deceased individual to determine the cause of death or to study disease processes. The specific procedure described by CPT® Code 88005 involves a gross examination only, which means that the examination is conducted without the use of microscopic techniques. This procedure includes a detailed assessment of the central nervous system, particularly the brain. During the examination, an incision is made across the crown of the head from ear to ear, creating two flaps of skin. The anterior flap is then pulled over the face, while the posterior flap is pulled down the back of the neck, allowing access to the skull. A reciprocating saw is utilized to open the skull, creating a bone flap that is removed to expose the brain. The brain is carefully separated from the cranial nerves and spinal cord and is lifted out for further examination. To preserve the brain tissue for analysis, it is placed in formalin for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Additionally, the spinal cord is extracted through an anterior approach, which involves freeing the paravertebral muscles from the vertebrae to visualize the surrounding structures. The procedure includes transecting the vertebral pedicles and making horizontal cuts through the intervertebral disc spaces to facilitate the removal of the vertebral column. The paraspinal muscles are incised to expose the vertebral laminae, and the vertebral arches are excised to access the spinal cord and its protective dural enclosure. This enclosure, along with the peripheral nerve roots, is removed as a single unit. Tissue blocks may be taken for further processing, such as microscopic examination. Upon completion of the autopsy, the body cavity is lined with appropriate material, the internal organs are sealed in a plastic bag and returned to the body, and the incisions in the abdomen, chest, and scalp are closed. CPT® Code 88005 specifically reports the autopsy with gross examination only, including the brain, while CPT® Code 88007 is used for reporting gross examination of the body, brain, and spinal cord.