How To Use CPT Code 19282

CPT code 19282 describes the placement of breast localization device(s) percutaneously, each additional lesion, including mammographic 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 19282?

CPT 19282 is a code used to describe the placement of breast localization device(s) percutaneously, each additional lesion, including mammographic guidance. This code is used when a provider places a device, such as a clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, or radioactive seeds, to mark the location of a breast abnormality. The purpose of this procedure is to make it easier for the provider to find the target during a biopsy.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 19282 is: ‘Placement of breast localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, radioactive seeds), percutaneous each additional lesion, including mammographic guidance (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)’

3. Procedure

In this procedure, the provider, under mammographic guidance, places a device for breast localization, such as a clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, or radioactive seeds. The provider places the localization device at the same session that he places another device at an initial lesion.

After placement of the first localization device at the same session, the provider preps and anesthetizes the patient for placement of the additional device. He then takes several mammographic images to view the exact location of the lesion in the breast. He then places the additional localization device at the target tissue using a needle or other minimally invasive introducer instrument. The provider performs another mammogram after the placement of the device to ensure its correct placement. He closes the site with a bandage. The goal of the procedure is to locate the site of the lesion prior to breast biopsy.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 19282 services are those who require the placement of breast localization devices for percutaneous localization of additional lesions. The procedure must be performed under mammographic guidance. The provider must use a clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, or radioactive seeds as the localization device.

5. When to use CPT code 19282

CPT code 19282 should be used when a provider is placing breast localization device(s) percutaneously for each additional lesion, including mammographic guidance. This code should be used in addition to the primary procedure code. It is important to note that CPT code 19282 is an add-on code and should not be reported without an appropriate primary code, such as 19281.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 19282, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the placement of breast localization device(s)
• Type of localization device used (clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, radioactive seeds)
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Mammographic images showing the exact location of the lesion
• Placement of the additional localization device
• Post-placement mammogram to confirm correct device placement
• Bandage closure of the site

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 19282, ensure that the procedure is performed under mammographic guidance and involves the placement of breast localization device(s) percutaneously for each additional lesion. This code should be listed separately in addition to the primary procedure code. It is important to note that CPT code 19282 is an add-on code and should not be reported without an appropriate primary code, such as 19281. It is also important to use the correct modifier, if applicable, to indicate the professional or technical component of the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 19282 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2014. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist placing a metallic pellet for breast localization during a mammogram-guided procedure for an additional lesion.
2. A surgeon placing a clip for breast localization during a mammogram-guided procedure for an additional lesion.
3. An interventional radiologist placing a wire/needle for breast localization during a mammogram-guided procedure for an additional lesion.
4. A nuclear medicine physician placing radioactive seeds for breast localization during a mammogram-guided procedure for an additional lesion.
5. A breast surgeon placing a clip for breast localization during a mammogram-guided procedure for an additional lesion.
6. A radiologist placing a metallic pellet for breast localization during a mammogram-guided procedure for an additional lesion.
7. An interventional radiologist placing a wire/needle for breast localization during a mammogram-guided procedure for an additional lesion.
8. A surgeon placing a clip for breast localization during a mammogram-guided procedure for an additional lesion.
9. A nuclear medicine physician placing radioactive seeds for breast localization during a mammogram-guided procedure for an additional lesion.
10. A breast surgeon placing a clip for breast localization during a mammogram-guided procedure for an additional lesion.