How To Use CPT Code 77053

CPT 77053 describes the radiological supervision and interpretation of a ductogram or galactogram on a single duct. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 77053?

CPT 77053 is used to describe the radiological supervision and interpretation of a ductogram or galactogram on a single duct. This procedure is commonly performed to view breast ducts and diagnose conditions such as nipple discharge, ductal ectasia, fibrocystic changes, intraductal papillomas, and breast cancer.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 77053 is: ‘Mammary ductogram or galactogram, single duct, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. After cleansing the nipple and areola with an antiseptic liquid, the physician inserts a cannula into the target duct.
2. Contrast dye is then injected into the duct.
3. A mammogram is performed to visualize the ductogram or galactogram.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 77053 is performed when a ductogram or galactogram is conducted on a single duct. This procedure is typically used to diagnose conditions related to the breast ducts, such as nipple discharge, ductal ectasia, fibrocystic changes, intraductal papillomas, and breast cancer.

5. When to use CPT code 77053

CPT code 77053 should be used when a radiologist provides the supervision and interpretation for a ductogram or galactogram on a single duct. It is important to use this code specifically for cases involving a single duct, as there is a separate code (CPT 77054) for multiple ducts.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 77053, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s diagnosis or reason for the ductogram or galactogram
• Details of the procedure, including the use of contrast dye and the specific duct being examined
• Date and time of the procedure
• Results and findings of the ductogram or galactogram
• Signature of the radiologist providing the supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 77053, ensure that the procedure involves the radiological supervision and interpretation of a ductogram or galactogram on a single duct. It is important to use the appropriate CPT code based on the number of ducts being examined (77054 for multiple ducts). Additionally, consider any specific billing guidelines provided by insurance companies or payers.

8. Historical information

CPT 77053 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performing a ductogram on a single duct to diagnose nipple discharge in a patient.
2. A radiologist conducting a galactogram on a single duct to evaluate fibrocystic changes in a patient’s breast.
3. A radiologist supervising and interpreting a ductogram on a single duct to assess intraductal papillomas in a patient.
4. A radiologist performing a galactogram on a single duct to investigate breast cancer in a patient.
5. A radiologist conducting a ductogram on a single duct to diagnose ductal ectasia in a patient’s breast.
6. A radiologist supervising and interpreting a galactogram on a single duct to evaluate nipple discharge in a patient.
7. A radiologist performing a ductogram on a single duct to assess fibrocystic changes in a patient’s breast.
8. A radiologist conducting a galactogram on a single duct to investigate intraductal papillomas in a patient.
9. A radiologist supervising and interpreting a ductogram on a single duct to diagnose breast cancer in a patient.
10. A radiologist performing a galactogram on a single duct to evaluate ductal ectasia in a patient’s breast.