Question

4. Explain in detail the guidelines that apply to the excision and incision of breast lesion, give examples on how to code for these procedures.

Answer 1

Ans:- Excisional breast biopsy requires close collaboration in between the radiologist, surgeon, and pathologist, and a different approach for palpable vs nonpalpable lesions. Whether palpable or nonpalpable, the first goal of excisional biopsy is an intact specimen, not a piecemeal excision. This will facilitate specimen radiography, pathologic processing, and (if cancer is found) reduce the rate and extent of re-excision.

CPT code 19120 (Excision of cyst, fibroadenoma, or other benign or malignanttumor, aberrant breast tissue, duct lesion, nipple or areolar lesion (except 19300), open, male or female, one or more lesions) should be assigned.