AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2014 Quarter 2; Ask the Editor
Excision of breast lesion with adjacent tissue transfer
Patients at our facility have breast lesion excisions to a depth that includes skin and subcutaneous tissue and some that require resection to the muscle. Some of the lesions are identified by a localization device. However, as a result, there are large defects from the wide excisions. Sometimes closure of the defect requires adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement. Based on CPT guidelines, excisions of benign lesions ( 11400 – 11446 ) and malignant lesions ( 11600 – 11646 ) cannot be reported separately with adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement codes ( 14000 – 14302 ). Although the excision of a lesion of the breast is coded to a different CPT code range, does the same principle for the excision of skin lesions apply? Would excision of the breast lesion(s) be included with the adjacent tissue transfer codes? Also, would the placement of the breast localization device be reported separately? ...
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Article Overview
This premium article discusses coding for breast lesion excision cases that result in larger defects requiring adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement. It is intended for coders and billing staff working with breast procedures and covers CPT coding categories, related excision and repair groupings, and the facility’s documentation context for these services.
Why This Topic Matters
Breast lesion procedures can involve multiple operative components and overlapping CPT code families. Understanding how the article frames these services helps coders review documentation and evaluate which portions of the encounter are addressed under excision versus tissue transfer-related coding guidance.
Article Sections
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Clinical scenario and operative context
Introduces breast lesion excision cases at varying depths and notes the use of localization devices and resulting defect size. The section sets up the coding context for the procedures discussed later in the article.
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CPT coding guidance
Summarizes the CPT families referenced for excision and adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement. The section focuses on how the article frames the relationship among these procedure categories.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames breast lesion excision cases with larger post-excision defects
- Which CPT code families are discussed for excision and adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement
- What documentation context is highlighted for these breast procedures
- How the article organizes coding considerations for these operative services
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding supervisors
- Outpatient billing staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Compliance reviewers
Code Ranges Discussed
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