Immediate on-site interpretation of fine-needle aspiration smears

Abstract

From the current data, it appears that intraprocedural consultations by cytopathologists for CT-guided, ultrasound-guided, bronchoscopic, or endoscopic procedures are compensated insufficiently by current Medicare compensation schedules using the CPT code 88172 for on-site evaluation. Only when the cytopathologist personally performs the aspirate and immediately interprets it (CPT codes 88172 and 88170) does the Medicare payment adequately compensate for professional services.