2025 CPT code 88005

Necropsy (autopsy), gross examination only, including the brain.

Codes 88000-88099 represent physician services only. Modifier 90 should be appended for outside laboratory services.If the procedure extends beyond a gross examination, a different code within the 88000-88099 range may be appropriate.

Modifier 90 (outside laboratory) is applicable when the laboratory components of the examination are performed by an outside entity.

Medical necessity is established when the attending physician determines that a gross examination of the body, including the brain, is necessary to determine the cause of death, particularly when microscopic analysis or laboratory testing is unavailable or deemed unnecessary.

The physician performs the gross examination, including opening the skull to visually inspect the brain.This excludes microscopic analysis and laboratory tests.

IMPORTANT For more extensive examinations, such as those incorporating microscopic analysis or specific tests, refer to other codes within the 88000-88099 range.Code 88099 (unlisted necropsy procedure) is available for procedures not explicitly listed.

In simple words: The doctor examines the body after death, looking at the organs, including the brain, without using a microscope or lab tests. The doctor will open the skull to look at the brain.

This CPT code, 88005, represents a physician's service for a gross examination of a body after death, encompassing a visual examination of the brain.The examination is limited to what is visibly apparent without microscopic analysis or laboratory testing.The procedure includes opening the skull to expose the brain for gross examination.This service might be requested when microscopic examination and lab tests are deemed unnecessary to determine the cause of death or if such testing isn't readily available.

Example 1: A medical examiner performs a gross autopsy on an individual found deceased at home, focusing on identifying potential external causes of death and gross anatomical abnormalities of the brain., A hospital pathologist performs a postmortem examination on a patient who died unexpectedly after surgery, limiting the autopsy to a gross examination to determine if any gross surgical complications are apparent. , In a rural setting with limited laboratory capabilities, a physician performs a gross autopsy, including examination of the brain, to determine the probable cause of death, as microscopic analysis is unavailable.

Detailed notes describing the gross findings of the autopsy, including the condition of the brain. Photographic documentation of significant findings is recommended.A report should be generated detailing the findings and conclusion of the examination.

** This code should only be used when the examination is limited to a gross examination and does not include microscopic analysis or laboratory tests.The use of this code should be consistent with the documentation provided.

  • Revenue Code: P5E (AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - OTHER)
  • RVU: Unknown
  • Global Days : Unknown
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
  • Fee Schedule : Unknown
  • Specialties:Pathology, Forensic Medicine
  • Place of Service:Office, Hospital, Morgue, Medical Examiner's Office
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