Advanced Search

Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Adrenal Biopsy? Look to 49180 or 10021

Published on Tue May 11, 2004

Question: How should we report a CT-guided needle adrenal mass biopsy?

Missouri Subscriber Answer: If your radiologist performs a core-needle biopsy, you should report CPT 49180 (Biopsy, abdominal or retroperitoneal mass, percutaneous needle) with 76360 (Computerized tomography guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device], radiological supervision and interpretation).

In unusual circumstances, the radiologist might collect fluid, which would warrant a fine-needle aspiration code. If the physician uses imaging guidance, report 10022 (Fine needle aspiration; with imaging guidance) along with an imaging guidance code.

If the radiologist performs the biopsy without radiologic guidance, choose 10021 (... without imaging guidance).
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Radiology Coding Alert

View All