The Biopsy Service

The histopathology laboratory, which was started in 1949, currently serves more than 1000 practitioners from 25 states and is one of the largest of its kind in the United States. Each biopsy specimen is reviewed by two oral and maxillofacial pathologists who are Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and full time faculty members at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Dentistry.

The Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Diagnostic Service will supply specimen bottles, mailing envelopes, history forms and postage paid return labels at no charge to the requesting practitioner. Biopsy kits may be ordered by clicking here: ORDER KITS. Upon arrival, the specimen is prepared for overnight processing and is histologically examined the following business day. A complete description, which includes patient information, history, histologic description, diagnosis, appropriate comments and ICD code is sent to you. If you have a FAX number, we can FAX the diagnosis, or if you wish to be called, we will call you. When an explanation of a diagnosis or its implications will assist the clinician in patient care, one of the pathologists will call with the information. A short delay may be necessary in cases which require decalcification, additional slides or special stains.

The insurance information provided by your office on the history form is forwarded to the VCU School of Dentistry Faculty Practice, who will then either bill the insurance company or the patient. Insurance carriers provide coverage for the histopathologic diagnosis of oral biopsies. The biopsy kit contains a convenient tear away sheet which should be given to the patient that will explain the billing process.

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Last Modified: Aug 3, 2006
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