Radiology Question for the Week of November 16, 2020

Question:

If two cysts in the same breast are aspirated under ultrasound guidance, how do we code the procedure?

Answer:

The initial cyst aspirated would be reported with code 19000. Each additional cyst aspiration is coded as 19001 if the second (additional) cyst is aspirated from the same breast. Assign the imaging guidance with 76942 once. To accurately report ultrasound guidance codes, CPT® instructions state that a permanently recorded image and a written description of the guidance study must be incorporated within the report or within a separate report. Some payers may require 51, 76, 59, or one of the X{EPSU} modifiers to indicate the separateness of the procedures.

This question was answered in our Breast & Bone Density Procedure Coding Guide. For more hot topics relating to radiology services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.