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Wiki confused about sentinel LN Bx

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lbarbar

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Hello,

i know you have heard this question a lot, but i am really confused.

i have read that code 38792 Injection procedure; radioactive tracer for identification of sentinel node: is used for injection of radioactive tracer when performed without lymphoscintigraphy; and for the injection of vital dye (Isosulfan Blue Dye or a similar product) to visualize the sentinel node.

and code 38900 Intraoperative identification (eg, mapping) of sentinel lymph node(s) includes injection of non-radioactive dye, when performed (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
is used for non radactive dye ......

so 38792: is radioactive tracer + blue dye
and 38900: is blue dye

when usinf NCCI edits, i find that 38792 is bundled into 38900 ....

how come? and 38792 is both radioactive and blue dye, and 38900 is only blue dye

am i missing something here?
 
38792 is done in the radiology department usually prior to the surgery, 38900 is injected at the time of the surgery by the surgeon. (before code 38900 was created, we only used the 38792) This might be why you are confused, the rules changed when 38900 was created. hope this helps
 
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