Frequently Asked Questions About Coding for Breast Surgery
CODING AND PRACTICE MANAGEMENT CORNER Frequently asked questions about coding for breast surgery 52 | by Linda Barney, MD, FACS; Mark Savarise, MD, FACS; and Eric Whitacre, MD, FACS All of the image-guided oding for surgical services biopsy codes, 19081–19086, can be complicated due Why are there two separate specify that the biopsy is Cto the numerous rules, codes to report for breast inclusive of the placement guidelines, and exceptions— cancer operations with of breast localization all of which the Centers sentinel node biopsy and one unified code for mastectomy devices, including clips for Medicare & Medicaid Services frequently updates or lumpectomy with and metallic pellet when and revises. Consequently, the axillary node dissection? performed, and imaging American College of Surgeons The breast surgery Current of the biopsy specimen, (ACS) General Surgery Procedural Terminology (CPT) when performed. Coding and Reimbursement codes were developed when Committee (GSCRC) often axillary dissection was standard receives questions about therapy for breast cancer. coding, particularly for Modified radical mastectomy breast surgery. This column is coded 19307; lumpectomy responds to some frequently with axillary dissection is coded asked coding questions 19302. When sentinel lymph related to breast cancer node biopsy was developed, the operations, sentinel node code needed to be applied to both biopsy, ultrasound-guided core breast and melanoma procedures. biopsies, excision with wires, Code 38900 is an add-on code to intraoperative assessment be used with any lymph node of margins, and more. biopsy or lymphadenectomy code V99 No 9 BULLETIN American College of Surgeons CODING AND PRACTICE MANAGEMENT CORNER to indicate the intraoperative placement of breast localization describes the procedure where work done to identify the devices, including clips and margin status is indicated by any sentinel lymph nodes.
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