How To Use CPT Code 88000

CPT 88000 describes the postmortem examination procedure performed by a physician to grossly examine the body after death, excluding the central nervous system. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 88000?

CPT 88000 is used to describe the postmortem examination procedure performed by a physician. This procedure involves the gross examination of the body after death, without the examination of the central nervous system (CNS). The physician visually inspects the body to gather information about the cause of death and any other relevant findings. It is important to note that this code only covers the examination that can be seen without the use of a microscope.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88000 is: ‘Necropsy (autopsy), gross examination only; without CNS.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician performs a gross examination of the body after death, excluding the central nervous system.
2. The examination is conducted using the naked eye, without the use of a microscope.
3. The physician visually inspects the body to gather information about the cause of death and any other relevant findings.
4. The examination includes the examination of organs, tissues, and other visible structures.
5. The physician documents their findings and prepares a report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88000 is performed when a physician conducts a postmortem examination to grossly examine the body after death, excluding the central nervous system. This procedure is typically performed when the cause of death is not in question to a degree that requires microscopic examination. The examination helps gather information about the cause of death and any other relevant findings.

5. When to use CPT code 88000

CPT code 88000 should be used when a physician performs a postmortem examination to grossly examine the body after death, excluding the central nervous system. It is important to note that this code does not include any examination of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88000, the physician must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the postmortem examination
• Details of the gross examination findings
• Date and time of the examination
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88000, ensure that the procedure is performed by a physician and that it only includes the gross examination of the body without the central nervous system. It is important to note that CPT code 88000 is for the physician’s service only. Additionally, there are other codes available for different types of gross examination-only autopsy procedures, such as CPT codes 88005 to 88016.

8. Historical information

CPT 88000 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician performing a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death and document any relevant findings.
2. A pathologist conducting a gross examination of the body after death to gather information about the cause of death and any other relevant findings.
3. A medical examiner visually inspecting the organs and tissues of a deceased individual to determine the cause of death.
4. A forensic pathologist conducting a postmortem examination to gather evidence and determine the cause of death in a suspicious case.
5. A coroner performing a gross examination of the body after death to determine the cause of death and provide information for legal purposes.
6. A physician conducting a postmortem examination to gather information about the cause of death and any underlying medical conditions.
7. A forensic scientist visually inspecting the body to gather evidence and determine the cause of death in a criminal investigation.
8. A medical examiner conducting a gross examination of the body to determine the cause of death and provide information for public health purposes.
9. A pathologist performing a postmortem examination to gather information about the cause of death and any genetic abnormalities.
10. A forensic pathologist visually inspecting the body to gather evidence and determine the cause of death in a high-profile case.