How To Use cpt 10012

cpt 10012 describes the fine needle aspiration biopsy procedure, including MR guidance, for each additional lesion. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 10012.

1. What is cpt 10012?

cpt 10012 is a code used to describe the fine needle aspiration biopsy procedure performed under MR guidance for each additional lesion. This procedure involves collecting a specimen from tissue, a cyst, or mass using a specialized needle and syringe. cpt 10012 is reported in addition to the primary code, cpt 10011, for each additional lesion biopsied under MR imaging guidance.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 10012 is: ‘Fine needle aspiration biopsy, including MR guidance each additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ It is important to note that cpt 10012 should not be reported in conjunction with cpt 77021, and for the evaluation of fine needle aspirate, other codes such as 88172, 88173, and 88177 should be used.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is properly prepared and anesthetized, typically with local anesthesia.
2. The provider inserts a needle, such as an 18– to 25–gauge needle with an attached syringe, under MR imaging guidance into an additional suspicious lesion or area of tissue.
3. The provider withdraws cells, tissue, or fluid for laboratory analysis.
4. Multiple passes may be made to obtain an adequate specimen.
5. The provider sends the aspirate to the pathology lab for analysis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 10012 is performed when there is a need to biopsy additional suspicious lesions or areas of tissue under MR guidance. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with cpt 77021, and for percutaneous needle biopsy other than fine needle aspiration, other specific codes should be used based on the location of the biopsy.

5. When to use cpt code 10012

cpt 10012 should be used when performing a fine needle aspiration biopsy under MR guidance for each additional lesion. It is important to report this code in addition to the primary code, cpt 10011, for each additional lesion biopsied under MR imaging guidance. If the biopsy is performed using other types of imaging guidance, different codes should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 10012, the provider must document the following information:

• Identification of the additional lesion or area of tissue biopsied
• Use of MR guidance for the procedure
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the biopsy technique and number of passes made
• Specimen sent to the pathology lab for analysis
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 10012, ensure that the procedure is performed under MR guidance for each additional lesion. It is important to note that cpt 10012 should not be reported in conjunction with cpt 77021. Additionally, for percutaneous image-guided fluid collection drainage by catheter of soft tissue, a different code, cpt 10030, should be used.

8. Historical information

cpt 10012 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2019. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to cpt 10012

Five similar codes to cpt 10012 include:

• cpt 10011: This code is used for the primary procedure of fine needle aspiration biopsy under MR guidance.
• cpt 10005: This code is used for FNA of an initial lesion using ultrasound guidance.
• cpt 10007: This code is used for FNA of an initial lesion using fluoroscopy guidance.
• cpt 10009: This code is used for FNA of an initial lesion using CT guidance.
• cpt 10006: This code is used for each additional lesion biopsied under ultrasound guidance.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy under MR guidance for an additional suspicious lesion in the breast.
2. A patient undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy under MR guidance for an additional suspicious lesion in the liver.
3. A patient undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy under MR guidance for an additional suspicious lesion in the pancreas.
4. A patient undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy under MR guidance for an additional suspicious lesion in the kidney.
5. A patient undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy under MR guidance for an additional suspicious lesion in the thyroid.
6. A patient undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy under MR guidance for an additional suspicious lesion in the muscle.
7. A patient undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy under MR guidance for an additional suspicious lesion in the pleura.
8. A patient undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy under MR guidance for an additional suspicious lesion in the lung or mediastinum.
9. A patient undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy under MR guidance for an additional suspicious lesion in the salivary gland.
10. A patient undergoes a fine needle aspiration biopsy under MR guidance for an additional suspicious lesion in the abdominal or retroperitoneal mass.