How To Use CPT Code 0351T

CPT 0351T describes the use of optical coherence tomography imaging to detect cancer cells in excised breast tissue or axillary lymph nodes. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0351T?

CPT 0351T can be used to describe the use of optical coherence tomography imaging to detect cancer cells in excised breast tissue or axillary lymph nodes. This code is used when the provider applies a probe to the tissue and uses light waves to measure the reflection of light from the tissues. The computer displays real-time microscopic images of the tissue, allowing the provider to determine if the surgical margins are clear of cancer cells or if more tissue needs to be excised.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0351T is: ‘Optical coherence tomography of breast or axillary lymph node, excised tissue, each specimen; real-time intraoperative.’

3. Procedure

1. In the operating room, the provider applies a probe to the excised breast tissue or axillary lymph node.
2. The probe is connected to a computer that displays real-time microscopic images of the tissue.
3. The provider uses the probe to expose the tissue to light waves and measures the reflection of light from the tissues.
4. The computer displays the images in real time, allowing the provider to determine if the surgical margins are clear of cancer cells.
5. If cancer cells are detected, the provider may need to excise more tissue to ensure clear margins.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0351T is used when optical coherence tomography imaging is performed on excised breast tissue or axillary lymph nodes. This procedure is typically performed during surgery to determine if the surgical margins are clear of cancer cells. It is important to note that this code is specifically for real-time intraoperative imaging, not for interpretation and reporting of the findings.

5. When to use CPT code 0351T

CPT code 0351T should be used when the provider performs optical coherence tomography imaging on excised breast tissue or axillary lymph nodes during a surgical procedure. This code is not appropriate for imaging of the surgical cavity of the breast or for interpretation and reporting of the findings. If the provider interprets and reports the findings, CPT code 0352T should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0351T, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of the procedure performed, including the use of optical coherence tomography imaging
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the tissue imaged, including whether it is excised breast tissue or axillary lymph nodes
• Any findings or abnormalities detected during the imaging
• Any additional actions taken based on the imaging results, such as further excision of tissue
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0351T, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for real-time intraoperative imaging of excised breast tissue or axillary lymph nodes. This code should not be reported with CPT codes 0352T or 0353T, which are used for interpretation and reporting of the findings or imaging of the surgical cavity of the breast, respectively. It is important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0351T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2015. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performing optical coherence tomography imaging on excised breast tissue during a lumpectomy procedure to ensure clear surgical margins.
2. A pathologist using optical coherence tomography imaging on excised axillary lymph nodes during a lymph node dissection to detect the presence of cancer cells.
3. A breast surgeon performing optical coherence tomography imaging on excised breast tissue during a mastectomy to assess the surgical margins.
4. A surgical oncologist using optical coherence tomography imaging on excised axillary lymph nodes during a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine if further lymph node dissection is necessary.
5. A plastic surgeon performing optical coherence tomography imaging on excised breast tissue during breast reconstruction surgery to ensure clear surgical margins.
6. A general surgeon using optical coherence tomography imaging on excised axillary lymph nodes during a lymphadenectomy to assess the presence of cancer cells.
7. A surgical oncologist performing optical coherence tomography imaging on excised breast tissue during a breast-conserving surgery to evaluate the surgical margins.
8. A pathologist using optical coherence tomography imaging on excised axillary lymph nodes during a lymph node biopsy to detect the presence of cancer cells.
9. A breast surgeon performing optical coherence tomography imaging on excised breast tissue during a prophylactic mastectomy to assess the surgical margins.
10. A surgical oncologist using optical coherence tomography imaging on excised axillary lymph nodes during a axillary dissection to determine the extent of lymph node involvement.