biopsy
Coding and reporting image-guided breast biopsies
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published instructions for coding and reporting percutaneous image-guided breast biopsies in program memorandum (PM) AB-02-128.
According to the PM, Medicare covers services provided for percutaneous image-guided breast biopsies. The image guided systems may be either ultrasound or stereotactic. Coverage is provided for a radiographic nonpalpable abnormality that is graded based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) as probably benign, a suspicious abnormality, or an abnormality. Medicare will also cover palpable lesions that are difficult to biopsy using palpation alone.
The applicable CPT codes listed in this PM for facility reporting are:
· 19102, percutaneous needle core, using imaging guidance
· 19103, percutaneous automated vacuum assisted or rotating biopsy device, using imaging guidance
· 10022, fine needle aspiration; with imaging guidance
NOTE: For imaging guidance performed in conjunction with 19102, 19103 see codes 76095, 76096, 76360, 76393 and 76942.
This is from coding clinic, so I stand corrected. They are separately billable. Thanks for making me check again!