Patient Information

Pathologists help care for patients every day by providing your doctor the information needed to ensure appropriate health care. Specifically, a pathologist is a physician that studies body fluids and tissues under the magnification of a microscope. The pathologist’s training enables them to determine if, for example, a tissue biopsy is benign or cancerous. Pathologists can consult with the patient’s primary care physician or specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment regimen. In addition, a pathologist provides medical directorship to the clinical laboratory, ensuring overall quality of laboratory testing, regulatory compliance, and assistance in test selection to your physicians.

What is a Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy?

A Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy can be performed ultrasound guided or in the office by inserting a slender needle into the area of concern, lymph node, thyroid nodule or mass, and drawing out (aspirating) either fluid from a cyst or a small amount of tissue from a solid mass, which is then sent for microscopic evaluation to determine whether or not cancer is present.

Who performs the biopsy?

The biopsy can be performed by your primary care physician, specialist, radiologist, or any of North Texas Pathology’s trained pathologists.

Will the procedure hurt?

You may experience some discomfort during or after the procedure, similar to having blood drawn, but it is generally well tolerated and any discomfort does not last long.

What are the possible complications?

You could experience a small amount of bruising and/or mild soreness as a result of the procedure.

For a printable version of these questions and answers, please select the link below.

Procedures – FAQ

What is a bone marrow biopsy?

A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure where a needle is skillfully inserted into the bone to collect a sample of bone and bone marrow from the patient.

Who performs the bone marrow biopsy?

All of the pathologists on our staff are trained in performing this procedure.

How is the bone marrow biopsy performed?

After sedation, most patients have bone marrow sampled from their pelvis. The doctor feels the bones at the top of the buttock as the patient lies on their side. After an appropriate area of the buttock is cleaned, a local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin and the tissue underneath the skin in the sampling area. This may cause some brief stinging if the patient is not already sedated.

A small incision is made in order to allow the biopsy needle to be placed through the skin and through the bone. When the needle has passed through the top layer of bone, your doctor uses a syringe to pull a liquid sample of your bone marrow cells through the needle. For most patients, pain medication is administered in preparation for the biopsy because the suction used in this liquid collection usually causes a local pain for a brief period.

After taking the liquid sample, the doctor carefully moves the needle into the bone marrow to collect a second sample called a core biopsy. The core biopsy is a small, solid piece of bone marrow that includes the fat and bone fibers in addition to the liquid and cells. After the needle is removed from the patient, pressure is applied to the buttock at the biopsy location for a few minutes to stop any associated bleeding. A bandage is then applied to the surgical site.

Will the procedure hurt?

North Texas Pathology and Nacogdoches Pathology work in association with anesthesiologists to routinely sedate patients prior to the procedure. However, pain medication can be administered prior to the bone marrow biopsy to minimize discomfort both during and after the procedure for patients that prefer not to be sedated.

What are the possible complications associated with a bone marrow biopsy?

There is typically minor bruising and some soreness around the biopsy area, but the risks are minimal. The procedure is not harmful to your bone or bone marrow and tissue injury is not common. Most side effects, if any, are related to anesthetic medications.

For a printable version of these questions and answers, please select the link below.

Procedures – FAQ

Why did I get a bill from a pathologist when I did not see one?

Although patients do not typically see a pathologist, North Texas Pathology Laboratories and Nacogdoches Pathology are responsible for the evaluation of tissue and cell samples provided to us by hospitals and physician offices as well as for ensuring quality clinical laboratory testing. Fees for pathology services are not included in your physician or hospital bill.

Will the pathologist file my insurance claim?

Yes. As a service to you, North Texas Pathology or Nacogdoches Pathology will file a claim with your insurance company. The insurance company may cover all or part of the charges or they may decline coverage all together. Any remaining balances will be billed to the patient. Payment can be made by mail, phone, or online.

Please contact our billing services provider, Diagnostic Services, at 972-526-0340 to arrange payment, update insurance information, or if you have any other questions about your bill.

Who do I contact for billing questions?

Diagnostic Services administers both North Texas Pathology and Nacogdoches Pathology’s billing services and can be reached at the following:

Phone: 972-526-0340
Fax: 972-996-1857

Email: billing@ntpath.com

Payments can be mailed to the following address:

North Texas Pathology Laboratories/Nacogdoches Pathology
P.O. Box 226
Rowlett, TX 75030-0226