Pathology Billing

CPT codes for pathology most commonly used by dermatologists range from 88300 - 88332. The most frequently used codes include the following:

The Modifiers:

TC: Technical Component

This refers to the pathology service that involves the preparation of the slide.

-26: Professional Component

This refers to the reading of the slide by the dermatologist or dermatopathologist.

Global Billing

This refers to the all-encompassing billing of both the technical and professional components, which is not indicated by a modifier.

88305: Level IV

Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination.

  • Lip, Biopsy/Wedge Resection
  • Skin, other than Cyst/Tag/Debridement
  • Soft tissue, other than Tumor/Mass/Lipoma/Debridement
  • Tongue Biopsy

88304: Level III

Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination.

  • Abscess
  • Anus, Tag
  • Bartholin's Gland/Cyst
  • Cartilage, Shavings
  • Conjunctiva-biopsy/Pterygium
  • Hematoma
  • Pilonidal Cyst, Sinus
  • Skin, Cyst/Tag/Debridement
  • Soft Tissue, Debridement
  • Soft Tissue, Lipoma
  • Vein, Varicosity