tci Outpatient Facility Coding Alert - 2014 Issue 1

Reader Question: Choose Between 38500 and 38510 for an Open Biopsy

Question: What would be the CPT® code for excision of a left posterior neck mass? The pathology report revealed a benign lymph node. Michigan Subscriber Answer: A biopsy or excision involves removing one or a few lymph nodes. In this case we need to consider the cervical region. For open biopsy choose either 38500 (Biopsy or excision of lymph node[s]; open, superficial) or 38510 (… open, deep cervical node[s]) depending on whether the nodes are superficial. Note:  These codes can be used for any superficial node but most commonly refers to nodes in the cervical, axillary, and inguinal areas...

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