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Radiology Coding Alert

Guidance Type Clinches Biopsy Imaging Code

Published on Sun Apr 05, 2009

Stereotactic imaging isn't the only option for breast biopsy (19102, 19103). CPT allows you to report other imaging codes, depending on the kind of imaging used in each particular case, says Laura Singleton, billing specialist at the Center for Surgery & Breast Health in Joliet, Ill.: • 76942 --" Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device), imaging supervision and interpretation • 77012 --" Computed tomography guidance for needle placement... • 77021 --" Magnetic resonance guidance for needle placement... • 77032 --" Mammographic guidance for needle placement, breast (e.g., for wire localization or for injection), each lesion, radiological supervision and interpretation. Example: If your physician performs a breast biopsy in the office using in-office ultrasound equipment, you should report 19102 or 19103 and the imaging code, 76942, for the procedure.
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