How To Use CPT Code 77012

CPT 77012 is a code used for computed tomography guidance for needle placement, such as biopsy, aspiration, injection, or localization device, with radiological supervision and interpretation. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 77012.

1. What is CPT 77012?

CPT 77012 is a code used to represent the supervision and interpretation of computed tomography (CT) guided needle placement procedures, such as biopsies, aspirations, injections, or localization devices. This code is specifically for the imaging supervision and interpretation aspect of the procedure and should be reported separately from the actual needle placement procedure.

2. 77012 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 77012 is: “Computed tomography guidance for needle placement (eg, biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device), radiological supervision and interpretation.”

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned on the CT table.
2. Local anesthesia is administered to the area of skin where the needle will be inserted.
3. The provider inserts the needle through the anesthetized area of skin into the targeted tissue.
4. Using CT guidance, the provider advances the needle to the desired location for biopsy, aspiration, injection, or localization device placement.
5. CT scan images are used to confirm the correct placement of the needle in the targeted area.
6. The provider performs the needle placement procedure (biopsy, aspiration, injection, or localization device).
7. The needle is removed, and the procedure is completed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who require a needle placement procedure, such as a biopsy, aspiration, injection, or localization device, and need CT guidance for accurate needle placement are eligible for CPT 77012 services. This code is specifically for the imaging supervision and interpretation aspect of the procedure and should be reported separately from the actual needle placement procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 77012

CPT code 77012 should be used when a provider performs supervision and interpretation for a separately reportable procedure that uses computed tomography guided needle placement, such as biopsy, aspiration, injection, or localization device. This code is specifically for the imaging supervision and interpretation aspect of the procedure and should be reported separately from the actual needle placement procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

Documentation supporting a claim for CPT 77012 should include the following information:

• Indication for the procedure
• Details of the needle placement procedure performed (biopsy, aspiration, injection, or localization device)
• Description of the CT guidance used during the procedure
• Confirmation of the correct needle placement using CT scan images
• Provider’s interpretation of the CT scan images
• Any complications or additional interventions required during the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77012, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Append professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code when reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service.
• Append modifier TC to the radiology code when reporting only the technical component for the radiology service. Note that payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC because the hospital’s portion is inherently technical.
• Do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components.
• For services paid under OPPS, Medicare does not pay hospitals separately for supervision and interpretation codes deemed to be ancillary and supportive services to primary diagnostic or therapeutic services. OPPS hospitals should still report the code when performed for statistical purposes.

8. Historical information

CPT 77012 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 77012

Five similar codes to CPT 77012 and how they differentiate are:

• CPT 77011: This code is for CT guidance for stereotactic localization, which is different from needle placement guidance.
• CPT 77013: This code is for CT guidance for cranial puncture, which is a specific type of needle placement in the skull.
• CPT 77014: This code is for CT guidance for radiation therapy, which is different from needle placement guidance.
• CPT 77021: This code is for magnetic resonance (MR) guidance for needle placement, which uses a different imaging modality than CT.
• CPT 76942: This code is for ultrasonic guidance for needle placement, which uses a different imaging modality than CT.

10. Examples

1. CT-guided biopsy of a lung mass
2. CT-guided aspiration of a liver abscess
3. CT-guided injection of a spinal epidural steroid
4. CT-guided placement of a localization device in a breast lesion
5. CT-guided biopsy of a pancreatic mass
6. CT-guided aspiration of a renal cyst
7. CT-guided injection of a sacroiliac joint
8. CT-guided placement of a localization device in a bone lesion
9. CT-guided biopsy of a mediastinal mass
10. CT-guided aspiration of a pelvic abscess