Radiology Coding Alert

Question: What is correct CPT® code for ultrasound guided core biopsy of the axillary tail lymph node with biopsy clip placement?

Georgia Subscriber

Answer: When your radiologist performs a breast biopsy, you will have to decide between 19102 (Biopsy of breast; percutaneous, needle core, using imaging guidance) 19103 (Biopsy of breast; percutaneous, automated vacuum assisted or rotating biopsy device, using imaging guidance). You report 19102 when your radiologist uses a needle to obtain the biopsy sample. If your radiologist uses a more sophisticated device for breast biopsy, you report code 19103. For both these codes, you report one unit per lesion — not per sample — unless your payer tells you otherwise in writing. For clip placement, you report code +19295 (Image-guided placement, metallic localization clip, percutaneous, during breast biopsy/aspiration [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]).