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A fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure designed to collect samples of fluid or cells from a lesion, such as a cyst or a solid mass. This procedure is particularly useful when traditional open biopsy methods pose risks, such as disrupting surgical planes or causing tumor seeding, especially in cases involving previously treated or irradiated lesions. The use of imaging guidance, specifically Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT), enhances the precision of the biopsy by allowing healthcare professionals to target lesions that are difficult to locate or access through standard techniques. This includes lesions situated in challenging anatomical locations, such as the abdomen, thorax, or deep-seated nodules in the neck, as well as masses within vital organs like the lungs, pancreas, liver, or kidneys. During the procedure, a radiopaque marker may be placed over the lesion to facilitate accurate imaging. The patient is then scanned in small increments to identify the optimal site for the biopsy. In some instances, intravenous (IV) sedation may be administered to ensure patient comfort. The biopsy site is prepared using local anesthesia and antiseptic solutions to minimize the risk of infection. A coaxial biopsy guide needle is inserted, followed by a second imaging scan to confirm the needle's correct placement. Subsequently, a biopsy gun is attached to the guide needle, which is activated to penetrate the mass and aspirate the necessary sample cells or fluid. This process may be repeated multiple times to obtain sufficient material for analysis. The collected specimens are then prepared by smearing them onto microscope slides, air-drying, fixing, and staining them for microscopic examination. This immediate analysis helps determine whether the samples are adequate or if additional biopsies are required.
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The fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) procedure is indicated for various clinical scenarios, particularly when less invasive methods are preferred or when traditional open biopsy poses significant risks. The following conditions and symptoms may warrant the use of this procedure:
The fine needle aspiration biopsy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure accurate sampling of the lesion. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the fine needle aspiration biopsy, patients may experience some discomfort or minor bruising at the biopsy site. It is essential to monitor the site for any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or infection. Patients are typically advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results of the biopsy and any further management that may be required based on the findings. Recovery time is generally minimal, allowing patients to resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, although specific instructions may vary based on individual circumstances and the healthcare provider's recommendations.
| Short Descr | FNA BX W/MR GDN 1ST LES | Medium Descr | FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION BX W/MR GDN 1ST LESION | Long Descr | Fine needle aspiration biopsy, including MR guidance; first lesion | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | ASC Payment Indicator | Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later without MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 10012 | Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N ASC N1 Fine needle aspiration biopsy, including MR guidance; each additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). |
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| 2019-01-01 | Added | Added |
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