tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2009 Issue 14

Reader Question: Check 2 Items for Biopsy Code Choice

Question: What code(s) should we use when the surgeon performs a "stereotactic needle core biopsy" of breast tissue? Florida Subscriber Answer: You should report the code for a needle core breast biopsy with guidance -- 19102 (Biopsy of breast; percutaneous, needle core, using imaging guidance). "Stereotactic" refers to an imaging process to locate the lesion in three dimensions and direct the biopsy apparatus to that spot. Although CPT provides another code for breast needle core biopsy (19100, Biopsy of breast; percutaneous, needle core, not using imaging guidance [separate procedure]), you shouldn't use it when you see the term "stereotactic"...

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