Ask a Rev Cycle Expert: CPT® 88142 versus HCPCS G0123?
Question:
Should G0123 be billed rather than 88142 when billing liquid-based pap smears to Medicare?
Answer:
The answer is dependent upon whether the pap smear is a screening or if the patient has signs and symptoms of cancer. Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code G0123 Screening cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (any reporting system), collected in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation, screening by cytotechnologist under physician supervision was created to meet the Medicare Preventive and Screening Services benefit.
For a patient who has symptomology of a disease, and is not there merely for a screening service, then Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code 88142 Cytopathology, cervical or vaginal (any reporting system), collected in preservative fluid, automated thin layer preparation; manual screening under physician supervision would be used.
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