CPT® Code 88332

Add-On Code

Pathology consultation during surgery; each additional tissue block with frozen section(s) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The CPT® Code 88332 refers to a specific pathology consultation that occurs during surgical procedures, specifically focusing on each additional tissue block that is examined with frozen sections. In this context, a tissue block is defined as a sample of tissue that has been prepared for microscopic examination, submitted as a single specimen. The role of the pathologist in this scenario is critical, as they are tasked with evaluating the tissue to ascertain the presence or absence of disease, including malignancies, and to assess whether the surgical margins are free from disease. This evaluation is essential for guiding the surgeon's decisions during the operation. The process begins with a gross examination of the tissue block, followed by its rapid freezing and slicing into thin sections for microscopic analysis. The pathologist provides an initial verbal report detailing significant findings, such as the presence of neoplasms, the extent of any disease involvement, and the status of the surgical margins. A comprehensive written report is subsequently generated and included in the patient's medical record. It is important to note that CPT® Code 88332 is used in conjunction with other codes: 88329 is reported for pathology consultations during surgery without the examination of a tissue block, while 88331 is designated for the first tissue block and its associated frozen sections. CPT® Code 88332 is specifically reserved for each additional tissue block that undergoes frozen section analysis during the surgical procedure.