CPT Code 88305: Surgical Pathology – Level IV (Mastectomy with Lymph Nodes)

CPT 88305 reports Level IV surgical pathology – gross and microscopic examination of moderately complex specimens.

Typical Specimens

• Mastectomy (simple, modified radical, radical) with regional lymph nodes.
• Colectomy, hysterectomy, prostatectomy, thyroidectomy, lung lobe resection.
• Any specimen requiring extensive gross description and multiple microscopic sections.

Work RVU & Reimbursement

• Work RVU: ~3.83 (2024).
• Higher than 88304 (Level III), lower than 88307 (Level V – complex, e.g., Whipple, radical neck).

Coding Notes

• Includes both gross and microscopic exam.
• Do not separately report decalcification (88311), special stains (88312-88313), or immunohistochemistry (88342) – these are add-ons.
• If only lymph nodes submitted (e.g., sentinel node biopsy), use 88305 per specimen site.

Accurate specimen description and level selection ensure compliance and appropriate reimbursement.