CPT code 19285 refers to a medical procedure used to help doctors locate specific areas in the breast for further examination or treatment. CPT 19285 represents “Placement of breast localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, radioactive seeds), percutaneous; first lesion, including ultrasound guidance.”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves placing a small device, such as a clip, a tiny metal piece, a special wire, or sometimes a small radioactively marked seed, into the breast. The placement is done using an ultrasound to guide the doctor to the correct spot. What’s included in this procedure is the use of ultrasound to ensure the accurate placement of these devices for the first area of concern in the breast. This does not include additional devices for other areas in the same session.
Common Names:
- Breast Localization
- Needle Localization
- Localization Under Ultrasound
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 1.7.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Breast localization with ultrasound
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Placement of breast localization device
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is commonly used for patients who have abnormalities detected in mammograms or other breast imaging tests that require a closer look. For example, if a doctor finds an unusual spot in a breast scan, this technique helps mark that spot precisely so further action, like a biopsy, can be carried out effectively.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- N63: This code indicates an unspecified lump in the breast. It’s used when a distinct lump is noticed but hasn’t yet been identified as something specific.
- D48.6: This code is used for identifying a neoplasm, or a new and abnormal growth of tissue, of uncertain behavior in the breast, which means it’s unclear whether the growth is benign or malignant.
- C50.919: This refers to a malignant, or cancerous, tumor of the unspecified breast, including those that may have been identified through prior scans as suspicious.
Summary
In summary, code 19285 describes the process of using imaging guidance to accurately place a device in the breast to mark areas in need of further medical evaluation. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 19285 include N63 (unspecified lump in breast) and D48.6 (neoplasm of uncertain behavior of the breast).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.