2025 CPT code 88099

Unlisted necropsy (autopsy) procedure.

Use this code only when other autopsy codes (88000-88045) do not accurately describe the procedure performed. Modifier 90 is used if the service is performed by an outside laboratory.

Modifier 90 can be used if performed by an outside laboratory.

Medical necessity for this code is determined by the need to establish the cause of death when it's uncertain or for legal purposes. Documentation must support the clinical rationale for performing the autopsy beyond the scope of standard procedures.

The physician or pathologist is responsible for performing the necropsy, including external examination, internal examination of organs, collecting tissue samples, interpreting findings, and generating a pathology report.

IMPORTANT Consider codes 88000-88045 for specific autopsy procedures. For forensic autopsies performed by law enforcement, contact the relevant agency.

In simple words: This code is for a post-mortem examination (autopsy) that is not covered by other specific codes. It is used for procedures not listed in the range of standard autopsy codes, such as examining specific organs.

This code is used for postmortem examination procedures that are not described by other specific codes (88000-88045). It includes procedures like a complete autopsy involving examination of the body's major organ systems, limited autopsies focusing on specific areas or organs, and fetal autopsies for stillbirths or miscarriages.

Example 1: A 50-year-old male dies unexpectedly at home. A complete autopsy (88099) is performed to determine the cause of death, as no specific codes cover the comprehensive examination required., A 20-week-old fetus is stillborn. A fetal autopsy (88099) is performed to investigate the cause of fetal demise, as no other codes apply to this specialized autopsy., A 70-year-old female with a history of heart disease dies in the hospital. A limited autopsy (88099) focusing on the cardiovascular system is performed, which is not specifically described by other autopsy codes.

Documentation should include a detailed report of the autopsy findings, including external and internal examination results, microscopic examination of tissues, and a clinical summary correlating the findings with the patient's medical history. Supporting documentation like the death certificate and medical records are also necessary.

** When using 88099, it's crucial to provide a detailed operative report to justify its use over existing specific autopsy codes and to support medical necessity for accurate reimbursement.

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Pathology, Forensic Pathology
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Morgue
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.