Advanced Search

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Check Size, Removal for Needle Codes

Published on Thu May 08, 2008

Question: An otolaryngologist takes a percutaneous biopsy of the salivary gland. Should I code this as a fine needle aspiration biopsy with 10021? Washington Subscriber Answer: No. Code 10021 (Fine needle aspiration; without imaging guidance) is for fine needle aspiration (FNA), not percutaneous needle biopsy. A percutaneous needle is larger and takes out tissue in the mass's core. Report a percutaneous needle biopsy with the anatomic site-specific surgery code. In the digestive system under the subheading "salivary gland and ducts," you will find 42400 (Biopsy of salivary gland; needle). In contrast, FNA codes (10021 and 10022, ... with imaging guidance) are in the integumentary section. These are for smaller needles that remove sample fluid from a cyst, lesion or deeper mass.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

View All