What is diagnostic pathology mean when on your medical bill?
Diagnostic pathology, is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis of diseases through the examination of tissues and cells. This can be done through a variety of methods, including:
* Microscopy: This involves looking at cells and tissues under a microscope to see if there are any abnormalities.
* Immunohistochemistry: This involves staining cells and tissues with antibodies to see if they are expressing certain proteins.
* Flow cytometry: This involves measuring the size, shape, and other characteristics of cells to see if they are abnormal.
* Genetic testing: This involves looking for mutations in genes that may be causing a disease.
Diagnostic pathology is used to diagnose a wide range of diseases, including:
* Cancer
* Infections
* Autoimmune diseases
* Genetic disorders
* Blood diseases
By diagnosing diseases early on, diagnostic pathology can help to ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment.
When you see the term diagnostic pathology on your medical bill, it means that you have been charged for services related to the diagnosis of your disease. This may include the cost of:
* Collecting and preparing tissue and cell samples
* Performing laboratory tests
* Interpreting the results of laboratory tests
The cost of diagnostic pathology services can vary depending on the type of tests that are performed. However, these services are essential for ensuring that you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment for your disease.