How To Use CPT Code 88045

CPT 88045 describes the postmortem examination procedure performed by a coroner to certify a death. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 88045?

CPT 88045 can be used to describe the postmortem examination procedure performed by a coroner to certify a death. This code is used when a coroner responds to a call to examine the body after death and determine the cause of death.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 88045 is: ‘Necropsy (autopsy); coroner’s call.’

3. Procedure

1. The coroner responds to a call to certify a death.
2. The coroner performs all technical steps to examine the body and determine the cause of death.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 88045 is used when a death requires certification by a coroner. This may occur when a person is not under a physician’s care at the time of death. The coroner must be a government official who is authorized to certify a death. While coding guidelines indicate that this code is for a physician’s service, the coroner may or may not be a physician depending on state regulations.

5. When to use CPT code 88045

CPT code 88045 should be used when a coroner is called to perform a postmortem examination to certify a death. It is important to note that this code is specifically for the coroner’s service and should not be used for other types of postmortem examinations performed by physicians or other healthcare professionals.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 88045, the coroner must document the following information:

• Reason for the call and the need for a postmortem examination
• Details of the examination performed, including any findings or observations
• Date and time of the examination
• Signature of the coroner performing the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 88045, ensure that the service is performed by a coroner and that it is a postmortem examination to certify a death. This code should not be reported with other codes related to postmortem examinations performed by physicians or other healthcare professionals. It is important to review the range of codes from 88000 to 88099 to determine the most appropriate code for the specific examination.

8. Historical information

CPT 88045 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 coroner performing a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death in a case where the deceased was not under a physician’s care.
2. A coroner responding to a call to examine the body of a deceased person and certify the cause of death.
3. A coroner performing a postmortem examination to investigate a suspicious death.
4. A coroner conducting a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death in a case where the deceased had no known medical history.
5. A coroner performing a postmortem examination to certify the cause of death in a case where the deceased died suddenly and unexpectedly.
6. A coroner responding to a call to examine the body of a deceased person who died at home without any attending physician.
7. A coroner conducting a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death in a case where the deceased had a history of chronic illness.
8. A coroner performing a postmortem examination to investigate the cause of death in a case where the deceased died in a suspicious circumstance.
9. A coroner responding to a call to examine the body of a deceased person who died in a healthcare facility without any attending physician.
10. A coroner conducting a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death in a case where the deceased had a known history of substance abuse.