88329 Path consltj drainage surgical
Also known as: intraoperative pathology consult, frozen section consult, surgical consultation
Pathology consultation provided during surgery (intraoperative consultation) for diagnostic determination or tissue assessment.
In Plain Language
quick pathology opinion during surgery; rapid tissue diagnosis during operation
Clinical Context
Performed during surgical procedures to provide rapid diagnostic assessment (often via frozen section) to guide surgical decisions.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.65 |
| Total RVU | 0.65 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Lab and pathology codes require an order from the treating provider with clinical indication. For molecular pathology and genetic testing, document the specific analytes tested and clinical rationale.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.65, this code ranks in the 49th percentile among Pathology & Lab codes — 1.0x below the median (0.68). The highest wRVU in this category is 2.78.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 88329?
CPT 88329 (Path consltj drainage surgical) is a Pathology & Lab code. Pathology consultation provided during surgery (intraoperative consultation) for diagnostic determination or tissue assessment.
Who uses CPT code 88329?
CPT 88329 is used by Surgical Pathology, Consultation. Performed during surgical procedures to provide rapid diagnostic assessment (often via frozen section) to guide surgical decisions.
When is CPT 88329 used?
Performed during surgical procedures to provide rapid diagnostic assessment (often via frozen section) to guide surgical decisions.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.