How To Use CPT Code 19082

CPT code 19082 describes the percutaneous biopsy of each additional breast lesion, including the placement of a breast localization device and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, under stereotactic guidance. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 19082?

CPT code 19082 is used to describe the percutaneous biopsy of each additional breast lesion, including the placement of a breast localization device and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, under stereotactic guidance. This code is an add-on code that is reported in addition to the primary procedure code 19081.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 19082 is: ‘Biopsy, breast, with placement of breast localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet), when performed, and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, percutaneous each additional lesion, including stereotactic guidance (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)’

3. Procedure

During the same session as a separately reportable biopsy of an initial breast lesion, the healthcare provider makes a small incision and removes tissue from an additional breast lesion. The provider may also place one or more breast localization devices and image the biopsy specimen. This procedure is performed under stereotactic guidance. CPT code 19082 should be reported once for each additional lesion.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 19082 is used when the healthcare provider performs a percutaneous biopsy of each additional breast lesion, including the placement of a breast localization device and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, under stereotactic guidance. This code should be used in conjunction with the primary procedure code 19081. There are no specific qualifying circumstances mentioned for this code.

5. When to use CPT code 19082

CPT code 19082 should be used when the healthcare provider performs a percutaneous biopsy of each additional breast lesion, including the placement of a breast localization device and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, under stereotactic guidance. This code should be reported once for each additional lesion.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 19082, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Identification of the additional breast lesion(s) biopsied
• Description of the breast localization device(s) placed, if applicable
• Documentation of the imaging of the biopsy specimen, if performed
• Date and time of the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 19082, ensure that the procedure is performed under stereotactic guidance and includes the percutaneous biopsy of each additional breast lesion, placement of breast localization device(s), and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed. This code should be listed separately in addition to the primary procedure code 19081. There are no specific guidelines mentioned regarding reporting this code with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT code 19082 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2014. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 19082

Five similar codes to CPT 19082 include:

• CPT 19081: Biopsy, breast, with placement of breast localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet), when performed, and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, percutaneous, first lesion, including stereotactic guidance
• CPT 19083: Biopsy, breast, with placement of breast localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet), when performed, and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, open, each additional lesion, including stereotactic guidance (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
• CPT 19084: Biopsy, breast, with placement of breast localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet), when performed, and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, open, first lesion, including stereotactic guidance
• CPT 19085: Biopsy, breast, with placement of breast localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet), when performed, and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, percutaneous, each additional lesion, including ultrasound guidance (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
• CPT 19086: Biopsy, breast, with placement of breast localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet), when performed, and imaging of the biopsy specimen, when performed, open, each additional lesion, including ultrasound guidance (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a percutaneous biopsy of an initial breast lesion (CPT code 19081) and an additional breast lesion (CPT code 19082) during the same session.
2. A healthcare provider performs a percutaneous biopsy of an initial breast lesion (CPT code 19081) and two additional breast lesions (CPT code 19082) during the same session.
3. Under stereotactic guidance, a healthcare provider performs a percutaneous biopsy of an initial breast lesion (CPT code 19081) and three additional breast lesions (CPT code 19082) during the same session.
4. A patient undergoes a percutaneous biopsy of an initial breast lesion (CPT code 19081) and an additional breast lesion (CPT code 19082) on the contralateral breast during the same session.
5. A healthcare provider performs a percutaneous biopsy of an initial breast lesion (CPT code 19081) and two additional breast lesions (CPT code 19082) on the contralateral breast during the same session.
6. Under stereotactic guidance, a healthcare provider performs a percutaneous biopsy of an initial breast lesion (CPT code 19081) and three additional breast lesions (CPT code 19082) on the contralateral breast during the same session.
7. A patient undergoes a percutaneous biopsy of an initial breast lesion (CPT code 19081) and an additional breast lesion (CPT code 19082) during separate sessions.