Reader Questions:
Coding for Lymphoscintigraphy
Published on Wed Sep 01, 1999
Question: When performing lymphoscintigraphy, should code CPT 38792 (new in 99, injection procedure for identification of sentinel node) be used along with the current 78195?
Anonymous IL Subscriber
Answer: Code 78195 (lymphatics and lymph glands imaging), instructs coders to use code 38792 to report the injection procedure of sentinel node for identification prior to the nuclear imaging of lymphatics and lymph glands. When the radiologist performs both the injection and the lymphoscintigraphy, the procedures are coded and reported separately by the radiologist. This does not preclude subsequent intraoperative injection and lymphoscintigraphy when the surgeon performs sentinel node biopsy.
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