How To Use CPT Code 0353T

CPT 0353T describes the use of optical coherence tomography imaging during breast surgery to determine if the surgical margins are clear of cancer cells. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0353T?

CPT 0353T can be used to describe the use of optical coherence tomography imaging during breast surgery. This procedure allows the provider to immediately assess whether the surgical margins are clear of cancer cells or if further tissue excision is necessary.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0353T is: ‘Optical coherence tomography of breast, surgical cavity; real-time intraoperative.’ This code should be reported once per session.

3. Procedure

1. During breast surgery, the provider applies a probe to the surgical cavity left after the excision.
2. The probe is connected to a computer that displays 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 real-time images, 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 additional tissue to ensure complete removal.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0353T is used when optical coherence tomography imaging is performed during breast surgery to assess the presence or absence of cancer cells in the surgical cavity. This procedure is typically performed when the provider needs immediate feedback on the surgical margins to determine if further tissue excision is necessary.

5. When to use CPT code 0353T

CPT code 0353T should be used when optical coherence tomography imaging is performed during breast surgery to assess the presence or absence of cancer cells in the surgical cavity. It is important to note that this code should only be reported once per session.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0353T, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of the surgical procedure performed
• Date and time of the procedure
• Use of optical coherence tomography imaging during the procedure
• Findings of the imaging, including whether the surgical margins are clear of cancer cells or if further tissue excision is necessary
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0353T, ensure that the procedure meets the qualifying circumstances and that the documentation requirements are met. It is important to note that if the provider also interprets and reports the findings of the optical coherence tomography imaging, CPT code 0354T should be used instead. Additionally, if the provider performs optical coherence tomography on excised breast or axillary lymph node tissue, CPT code 0351T should be used.

8. Historical information

CPT 0353T 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 uses optical coherence tomography imaging during breast surgery to assess the surgical margins and determine if further tissue excision is necessary.
2. During a lumpectomy procedure, the provider utilizes optical coherence tomography imaging to ensure that the surgical margins are clear of cancer cells.
3. A breast surgeon performs optical coherence tomography imaging in real-time during a mastectomy to confirm the absence of cancer cells in the surgical cavity.
4. Using optical coherence tomography imaging, the provider assesses the surgical margins during breast surgery and identifies the need for additional tissue excision.
5. During a breast conserving surgery, the surgeon utilizes optical coherence tomography imaging to ensure complete removal of cancer cells.
6. A breast surgeon performs optical coherence tomography imaging during a breast reconstruction procedure to assess the surgical margins and confirm the absence of cancer cells.
7. Using optical coherence tomography imaging, the provider evaluates the surgical margins during breast surgery and determines that no further tissue excision is necessary.
8. A surgeon utilizes optical coherence tomography imaging during breast surgery to guide the excision of additional tissue to ensure complete removal of cancer cells.
9. During a breast biopsy procedure, the provider uses optical coherence tomography imaging to assess the presence or absence of cancer cells in the surgical cavity.
10. A breast surgeon performs optical coherence tomography imaging during breast surgery to confirm the absence of cancer cells in the surgical cavity.