2025 CPT code 88045
Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory Procedures > Anatomic Pathology Procedures Feed
Necropsy (autopsy); coroner's call.
Modifier 90 is applicable when an outside laboratory performs the technical components of the necropsy.
Medical necessity is established by the legal requirement for determining cause of death in specific circumstances, as determined by local or state laws.
The coroner, typically a physician, is responsible for performing the necropsy, including all technical aspects, to certify the cause of death.
In simple words: A coroner, who is a doctor working for the government, examines a body to determine the cause of death when someone dies unexpectedly or without a doctor present.
This code represents a physician's service for a necropsy (autopsy) performed in response to a coroner's call to certify a death. The coroner, a government official authorized to certify deaths, performs all technical steps involved. This service is typically required when a death occurs outside of a physician's care and necessitates official certification.
Example 1: An individual dies suddenly at home without a known medical condition. The coroner is called to perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death., A person dies in a car accident. The coroner performs a postmortem examination to document injuries and contribute to the accident investigation., An individual dies under suspicious circumstances. A necropsy is conducted by the coroner to investigate potential foul play.
Documentation should include the coroner's report, details of the death scene, medical history (if available), and the findings of the necropsy.
** The requirements for a coroner to be a physician may vary by jurisdiction.
- Revenue Code: P5E - AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - OTHER
- Specialties:Forensic Pathology
- Place of Service:Office, Morgue (may be part of a hospital or independent)