How To Use CPT Code 88029

CPT 88029 describes the postmortem examination procedure for stillborn or newborn infants, specifically focusing on the analysis of the brain. 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 88029?

CPT 88029 is used to describe the postmortem examination procedure performed on stillborn or newborn infants, with a specific focus on analyzing the brain. This code is utilized when a healthcare provider conducts a thorough examination of the deceased infant, both grossly and microscopically, to determine the cause of death or identify any brain abnormalities.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88029 is: ‘Necropsy (autopsy), gross and microscopic; stillborn or newborn with brain.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs a comprehensive examination of the stillborn or newborn infant after death, including both gross and microscopic analysis.
2. Gross examination involves visually inspecting the body without the need for microscopic examinations or laboratory testing. The provider may need to cut into the skull to expose the brain.
3. Microscopic examination entails taking swabs, fluids, or thin tissue sections from the body and examining them under a microscope.
4. The purpose of the procedure is to determine the cause of death or identify any brain abnormalities that may have contributed to the infant’s demise.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88029 is applicable in cases involving stillborn or newborn infants. Healthcare providers may order this examination when there is suspicion of a brain abnormality as a potential cause of death. It is important to note that this code represents the physician’s service only and does not include additional testing. Providers who bill for testing performed by an outside laboratory may need to append modifier 90, Reference, or outside laboratory, depending on payer guidelines.

5. When to use CPT code 88029

CPT code 88029 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a postmortem examination on a stillborn or newborn infant, with a specific focus on analyzing the brain. This code is not appropriate for cases where only a gross examination of the stillborn or newborn, including the brain, is performed without a microscopic examination. In such cases, CPT code 88014 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88029, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the postmortem examination and suspicion of brain abnormalities
• Details of the gross and microscopic examination performed
• Date and time of the examination
• Any additional findings or observations made during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88029, ensure that the examination is performed on a stillborn or newborn infant, with a specific focus on analyzing the brain. It is important to note that this code represents the physician’s service only and does not include additional testing. Providers who bill for testing performed by an outside laboratory may need to append modifier 90, Reference, or outside laboratory, depending on payer guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 88029 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 healthcare provider performs a postmortem examination on a stillborn infant, conducting both gross and microscopic analysis of the brain to determine the cause of death.
2. Following the death of a newborn, a healthcare provider conducts a comprehensive examination, including a detailed analysis of the brain, to identify any abnormalities that may have contributed to the infant’s demise.
3. In a case involving a stillborn infant, a healthcare provider performs a thorough examination, focusing on the brain, to determine the cause of death and provide closure for the family.
4. After the death of a newborn, a healthcare provider conducts a postmortem examination, with a specific emphasis on analyzing the brain, to gain insights into any potential underlying conditions or abnormalities.
5. Upon the stillbirth of an infant, a healthcare provider performs a comprehensive examination, including a detailed analysis of the brain, to ascertain the cause of death and provide valuable information for future pregnancies.
6. Following the death of a newborn, a healthcare provider conducts a postmortem examination, with a particular focus on the brain, to investigate any potential brain abnormalities that may have contributed to the infant’s passing.
7. In a case involving a stillborn infant, a healthcare provider performs a thorough examination, including a detailed analysis of the brain, to determine the cause of death and provide closure for the grieving family.
8. After the death of a newborn, a healthcare provider conducts a postmortem examination, with a specific emphasis on analyzing the brain, to gain insights into any potential underlying conditions or abnormalities.
9. Upon the stillbirth of an infant, a healthcare provider performs a comprehensive examination, including a detailed analysis of the brain, to ascertain the cause of death and provide valuable information for future pregnancies.
10. Following the death of a newborn, a healthcare provider conducts a postmortem examination, with a particular focus on the brain, to investigate any potential brain abnormalities that may have contributed to the infant’s passing.