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Billing and Coding: Tomosynthesis-Guided Breast Biopsy

A57849

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Article ID
A57849
Article Title
Billing and Coding: Tomosynthesis-Guided Breast Biopsy
Article Type
Billing and Coding
Original Effective Date
01/01/2020
Revision Effective Date
01/01/2023
Revision Ending Date
N/A
Retirement Date
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Tomosynthesis-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy utilizes the technique of digital breast tomosynthesis or “3-D” mammography for identification of appropriate target sampling and intra-procedural needle placement. However, although digital breast tomosynthesis has become a more common screening and diagnostic modality; use of this technology for percutaneous breast biopsy is still on the rise. As a result, there may be uncertainty as to the proper coding and billing, since this procedure does not have a specifically assigned CPT code.

It is Noridian’s experience that the billing and coding of this procedure is at high risk for error. Therefore, Noridian is providing billing and coding guidance for providers who perform tomosynthesis-guided percutaneous biopsy for the evaluation of abnormal breast tissue concerning for malignancy.

  • If tomosynthesis is the only imaging guidance used for a breast biopsy, CPT code 19499 (Unlisted procedure, breast) should be utilized and the name of the procedure documented in the comments/narrative field for the following Part B claim field/types:
    • Loop 2400 or SV101-7 for the 5010A1 837P
    • Item 19 for paper claim

  • CPT code 19499 (Unlisted procedure, breast) should be utilized and the name of the procedure documented in the comments/narrative field for the following Part A claim field/types:

    • Line SV202-7 for 837I electronic claim

    • Block 80 for the UB04 claim form

  • Should more than one lesion of either breast be biopsied using tomosynthesis-only guidance on the same date of service, modifier 59 should be coded if the additional lesion is on the same breast (e.g. 19499 and 19499-59 should be coded to indicate 2 separate lesions undergoing tomosynthesis-guided breast biopsy) or modifier -50 indicating bilateral procedure, if repeated on the opposite breast. The additional lesion(s) requiring biopsy (including which breast) must be clearly documented in the procedure note. Multiple surgery payment rules applied.
  • If a percutaneous breast biopsy is performed using both stereotactic and tomosynthesis imaging guidance, CPT code 19081 (Biopsy, breast, with placement of breast localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet), when performed, and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, percutaneous; first lesion, including stereotactic guidance) should be utilized.
  • Should it be clinically necessary to use additional non-mammography imaging guidance to biopsy a breast lesion(s) either of the same or opposite breast, on the same date of service, this procedure will be denied unless modifier -59 (e.g. 19499-59) is also coded along with the additional imaging modality respective CPT code. Documentation provided must clearly support the need to switch modalities. Examples include: ultrasound-guided percutaneous breast biopsy CPT 19083-19084, MRI-guided percutaneous breast biopsy CPT 19085-19086, percutaneous biopsy without imaging guidance CPT 19100, and open incisional biopsy CPT 19101.
  • In addition, CPT codes 19281-19288, related to the placement of a breast localization device (e.g. clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, radioactive seeds) are not separately payable with 19499 as these procedure codes are considered part of the tomosynthesis-guided percutaneous breast biopsy procedure.
  • Similarly, if a tomosynthesis-only guided placement of a breast localization device procedure is performed (without biopsy), CPT 19499 will also need to be utilized with clear description in the comments/narrative field for both Part A and Part B claims.

Another issue is the common practice of obtaining a post-biopsy mammogram to confirm marker placement, assess for complications, etc. It is Noridian’s interpretation that a follow-up mammogram performed post tomosynthesis-guided breast biopsy will be considered part of the procedure and not separately payable, regardless of whether the patient is brought to a different room and/or unit for the mammography.

  • Post- biopsy mammograms (77065 and/or 77067, with or without G0279) coded and billed for the same date of service, regardless of the timing, separation, number, and/or order of claims billed, will not be considered separately payable.
  • Should either 19499 and/or 77065/77067 be coded and billed on separate claims, resulting in one of the codes being paid prior, additional payment by Noridian for the other billed service will be subject to payment adjustment and/or denial, taking previous payment into consideration.

 

References

  1. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Manual
  2. CPT Assistant 2019 - Frequently Asked Questions, December 2016, Volume 26, Issue 12, page 16

Coding Information

CPT/HCPCS Codes

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Group 1

(32 Codes)
Group 1 Paragraph

N/A

 Group 1 Codes
CodeDescription
19081 BIOPSY, BREAST, WITH PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET), WHEN PERFORMED, AND IMAGING OF THE BIOPSY SPECIMEN, WHEN PERFORMED, PERCUTANEOUS; FIRST LESION, INCLUDING STEREOTACTIC GUIDANCE
19082 BIOPSY, BREAST, WITH PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET), WHEN PERFORMED, AND IMAGING OF THE BIOPSY SPECIMEN, WHEN PERFORMED, PERCUTANEOUS; EACH ADDITIONAL LESION, INCLUDING STEREOTACTIC GUIDANCE (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
19083 BIOPSY, BREAST, WITH PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET), WHEN PERFORMED, AND IMAGING OF THE BIOPSY SPECIMEN, WHEN PERFORMED, PERCUTANEOUS; FIRST LESION, INCLUDING ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE
19084 BIOPSY, BREAST, WITH PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET), WHEN PERFORMED, AND IMAGING OF THE BIOPSY SPECIMEN, WHEN PERFORMED, PERCUTANEOUS; EACH ADDITIONAL LESION, INCLUDING ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
19085 BIOPSY, BREAST, WITH PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET), WHEN PERFORMED, AND IMAGING OF THE BIOPSY SPECIMEN, WHEN PERFORMED, PERCUTANEOUS; FIRST LESION, INCLUDING MAGNETIC RESONANCE GUIDANCE
19086 BIOPSY, BREAST, WITH PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET), WHEN PERFORMED, AND IMAGING OF THE BIOPSY SPECIMEN, WHEN PERFORMED, PERCUTANEOUS; EACH ADDITIONAL LESION, INCLUDING MAGNETIC RESONANCE GUIDANCE (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
19100 BIOPSY OF BREAST; PERCUTANEOUS, NEEDLE CORE, NOT USING IMAGING GUIDANCE (SEPARATE PROCEDURE)
19101 BIOPSY OF BREAST; OPEN, INCISIONAL
19281 PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET, WIRE/NEEDLE, RADIOACTIVE SEEDS), PERCUTANEOUS; FIRST LESION, INCLUDING MAMMOGRAPHIC GUIDANCE
19282 PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET, WIRE/NEEDLE, RADIOACTIVE SEEDS), PERCUTANEOUS; EACH ADDITIONAL LESION, INCLUDING MAMMOGRAPHIC GUIDANCE (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
19283 PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET, WIRE/NEEDLE, RADIOACTIVE SEEDS), PERCUTANEOUS; FIRST LESION, INCLUDING STEREOTACTIC GUIDANCE
19284 PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET, WIRE/NEEDLE, RADIOACTIVE SEEDS), PERCUTANEOUS; EACH ADDITIONAL LESION, INCLUDING STEREOTACTIC GUIDANCE (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
19285 PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET, WIRE/NEEDLE, RADIOACTIVE SEEDS), PERCUTANEOUS; FIRST LESION, INCLUDING ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE
19286 PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET, WIRE/NEEDLE, RADIOACTIVE SEEDS), PERCUTANEOUS; EACH ADDITIONAL LESION, INCLUDING ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
19287 PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG CLIP, METALLIC PELLET, WIRE/NEEDLE, RADIOACTIVE SEEDS), PERCUTANEOUS; FIRST LESION, INCLUDING MAGNETIC RESONANCE GUIDANCE
19288 PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG CLIP, METALLIC PELLET, WIRE/NEEDLE, RADIOACTIVE SEEDS), PERCUTANEOUS; EACH ADDITIONAL LESION, INCLUDING MAGNETIC RESONANCE GUIDANCE (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
19499 UNLISTED PROCEDURE, BREAST
76098 RADIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION, SURGICAL SPECIMEN
76376 3D RENDERING WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORTING OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY, MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, ULTRASOUND, OR OTHER TOMOGRAPHIC MODALITY WITH IMAGE POSTPROCESSING UNDER CONCURRENT SUPERVISION; NOT REQUIRING IMAGE POSTPROCESSING ON AN INDEPENDENT WORKSTATION
76377 3D RENDERING WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORTING OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY, MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, ULTRASOUND, OR OTHER TOMOGRAPHIC MODALITY WITH IMAGE POSTPROCESSING UNDER CONCURRENT SUPERVISION; REQUIRING IMAGE POSTPROCESSING ON AN INDEPENDENT WORKSTATION
77011 COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY GUIDANCE FOR STEREOTACTIC LOCALIZATION
77053 MAMMARY DUCTOGRAM OR GALACTOGRAM, SINGLE DUCT, RADIOLOGICAL SUPERVISION AND INTERPRETATION
77054 MAMMARY DUCTOGRAM OR GALACTOGRAM, MULTIPLE DUCTS, RADIOLOGICAL SUPERVISION AND INTERPRETATION
77061 DIAGNOSTIC DIGITAL BREAST TOMOSYNTHESIS; UNILATERAL
77062 DIAGNOSTIC DIGITAL BREAST TOMOSYNTHESIS; BILATERAL
77063 SCREENING DIGITAL BREAST TOMOSYNTHESIS, BILATERAL (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
77065 DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAPHY, INCLUDING COMPUTER-AIDED DETECTION (CAD) WHEN PERFORMED; UNILATERAL
77066 DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAPHY, INCLUDING COMPUTER-AIDED DETECTION (CAD) WHEN PERFORMED; BILATERAL
77067 SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY, BILATERAL (2-VIEW STUDY OF EACH BREAST), INCLUDING COMPUTER-AIDED DETECTION (CAD) WHEN PERFORMED
C7501 PERCUTANEOUS BREAST BIOPSIES USING STEREOTACTIC GUIDANCE, WITH PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET), WHEN PERFORMED, AND IMAGING OF THE BIOPSY SPECIMEN, WHEN PERFORMED, ALL LESIONS UNILATERAL AND BILATERAL (FOR SINGLE LESION BIOPSY, USE APPROPRIATE CODE)
C7502 PERCUTANEOUS BREAST BIOPSIES USING MAGNETIC RESONANCE GUIDANCE, WITH PLACEMENT OF BREAST LOCALIZATION DEVICE(S) (EG, CLIP, METALLIC PELLET), WHEN PERFORMED, AND IMAGING OF THE BIOPSY SPECIMEN, WHEN PERFORMED, ALL LESIONS UNILATERAL OR BILATERAL (FOR SINGLE LESION BIOPSY, USE APPROPRIATE CODE)
G0279 DIAGNOSTIC DIGITAL BREAST TOMOSYNTHESIS, UNILATERAL OR BILATERAL (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO 77065 OR 77066)

CPT/HCPCS Modifiers

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Group 1

(2 Codes)
Group 1 Paragraph

N/A

 Group 1 Codes
CodeDescription
50 BILATERAL PROCEDURE: UNLESS OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED IN THE LISTINGS, BILATERAL PROCEDURES THAT ARE PERFORMED AT THE SAME OPERATIVE SESSION SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED BY ADDING THE MODIFIER -50 TO THE APPROPRIATE FIVE DIGIT CODE OR BY USE OF THE SEPARATE FIVE DIGIT MODIFIER CODE 09950
59 DISTINCT PROCEDURAL SERVICE: UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE PHYSICIAN MAY NEED TO INDICATE THAT A PROCEDURE OR SERVICE WAS DISTINCT OR INDEPENDENT FROM OTHER SERVICES PERFORMED ON THE SAME DAY. MODIFIER -59 IS USED TO IDENTIFY PROCEDURES/SERVICES THAT ARE NOT NORMALLY REPORTED TOGETHER, BUT ARE APPROPRIATE UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS MAY REPRESENT A DIFFERENT SESSION OR PATIENT ENCOUNTER, DIFFERENT PROCEDURE OR SURGERY, DIFFERNET SITE OR ORGAN SYSTEM, SEPARATE INCISION/EXCISION, SEPARATE LESION, OR SEPARATE INJURY (OR AREA OF INJURY IN EXTENSIVE INJURIES) NOT ORDINARILY ENCOUNTERED OR PERFORMED ON THE SAME DAY BY THE SAME PHYSICIAN. HOWEVER, WHAN ANOTHER ALREADY ESTABLISHED MODIFIER IS APPROPRIATE IT SHOULD BE USED RATHER THAN MODIFIER -59. ONLY IF NO MORE DESCRIPTIVE MODIFIER IS AVAILABLE, AND THE USE OF MODIFIER -59 BEST EXPLAINS THE CIRCUMSTANCES, SHOULD MODIFIER -59 BE USED. MODIFIER CODE 09959 MAY BE USED AS AN ALTERNATE TO MODIFIER -59.

ICD-10-CM Codes that Support Medical Necessity

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ICD-10-CM Codes that DO NOT Support Medical Necessity

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ICD-10-PCS Codes

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Additional ICD-10 Information

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Bill Type Codes

Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service. Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the article does not apply to that Bill Type. Complete absence of all Bill Types indicates that coverage is not influenced by Bill Type and the article should be assumed to apply equally to all claims.

N/A

Revenue Codes

Contractors may specify Revenue Codes to help providers identify those Revenue Codes typically used to report this service. In most instances Revenue Codes are purely advisory. Unless specified in the article, services reported under other Revenue Codes are equally subject to this coverage determination. Complete absence of all Revenue Codes indicates that coverage is not influenced by Revenue Code and the article should be assumed to apply equally to all Revenue Codes.

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Other Coding Information

N/A

Revision History Information

Revision History DateRevision History NumberRevision History Explanation
01/01/2023 R1

Per 2023 CPT/HCPCS updates, HCPCS codes C7501 and C7502 were added to Group 1. Additionally, either the long or short description of CPT code 19499 has been updated. 

Associated Documents

Related Local Coverage Documents
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Related National Coverage Documents
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Statutory Requirements URLs
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Rules and Regulations URLs
NCCI Policy Manual
Description: Chapter 3, section J; Chapter 9, section C
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
CMS Manual Explanations URLs
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Other URLs
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Public Versions
Updated On Effective Dates Status
12/16/2022 01/01/2023 - N/A Currently in Effect You are here
12/23/2019 01/01/2020 - 12/31/2022 Superseded View

Keywords

  • Tomosynthesis
  • Breast
  • Biopsy
  • tomosynthesis-guided
  • percutaneous
  • imaging

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