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Official Description

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 magnetic resonance guidance

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A percutaneous breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows for the collection of tissue samples from breast lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. This technique is particularly advantageous as it does not involve radiation exposure, making it a safer option for patients. MRI utilizes the magnetic properties of hydrogen atoms present in the body, which emit radiofrequency signals when subjected to radio waves in a strong magnetic field. These signals are processed by a computer to create high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the breast tissue, enabling precise localization of the lesion. During the procedure, the skin over the target area is cleansed, and local anesthesia is administered to minimize discomfort. The biopsy needle, which may be equipped with specialized features such as metallic ringlets or a signal-receiving coil, is then guided into the lesion under MRI supervision. Depending on the method used, multiple core needle insertions may be necessary to obtain sufficient tissue samples. In cases where an automated vacuum-assisted or rotating biopsy device is employed, a small incision is made, and the device is used to collect multiple samples efficiently. Following the biopsy, a localization device, such as a metallic clip or pellet, may be placed at the biopsy site to mark the location for potential future surgical procedures, such as a lumpectomy. This comprehensive approach ensures accurate diagnosis and facilitates subsequent treatment planning.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The percutaneous breast biopsy with MRI guidance is indicated for the evaluation of breast lesions that require histological examination. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Suspicious Breast Lesions Lesions identified through imaging studies that exhibit characteristics suggestive of malignancy.
  • Abnormal Mammogram Findings Areas of concern detected during routine mammography that necessitate further investigation.
  • Palpable Masses Breast masses that can be felt during a physical examination and require tissue sampling for diagnosis.
  • Monitoring Known Lesions Lesions that have been previously diagnosed and require follow-up to assess changes in size or characteristics.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a percutaneous breast biopsy with MRI guidance involves several critical steps to ensure accurate tissue sampling:

  • Preparation and Localization The patient is positioned appropriately for MRI imaging, and the skin over the target area is cleansed. Local anesthesia is administered to minimize discomfort. MRI is then utilized to precisely localize the lesion, ensuring accurate targeting for the biopsy.
  • Needle Insertion A biopsy needle, which may have specialized features such as metallic ringlets or a signal-receiving coil, is inserted into the lesion under MRI guidance. If a needle biopsy is performed, the needle is carefully advanced into the lesion to obtain a tissue sample.
  • Sample Collection To ensure an adequate tissue sample, multiple core needle insertions (typically 3-6) are performed. If an automated vacuum-assisted or rotating biopsy device is used, a small incision is made, and the breast probe is placed at the lesion site. The device then draws breast tissue into its sampling chamber, or a rotating cutting device is used to capture tissue samples through the probe.
  • Placement of Localization Device After the tissue sampling is complete, a metallic localization clip or pellet may be placed at the biopsy site. This is particularly important if a more extensive procedure, such as a lumpectomy, is anticipated, as it helps the physician identify the exact location of the removed tissue.
  • Completion of the Procedure Once the localization device is in place, the biopsy needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the biopsy site to minimize bleeding. Additional imaging may be performed to obtain images of the biopsy specimen before the tissue is sent for pathological examination.

3. Post-Procedure

After the percutaneous breast biopsy, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications, such as excessive bleeding or infection. Instructions for post-procedure care may include avoiding strenuous activities and monitoring the biopsy site for any signs of complications. Patients may experience some discomfort or bruising at the biopsy site, which is generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the biopsy results and any further necessary actions based on the findings.

Short Descr BX BREAST 1ST LESION MR IMAG
Medium Descr BX BREAST W/DEVICE 1ST LESION MAGNETIC RES GUID
Long Descr 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 magnetic resonance guidance
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1A - Major procedure - breast
MUE 1

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

19086 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 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 magnetic resonance guidance (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
MG The order for this service does not have applicable appropriate use criteria in the qualified clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
73 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure prior to the administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may cancel a surgical or diagnostic procedure subsequent to the patient's surgical preparation (including sedation when provided, and being taken to the room where the procedure is to be performed), but prior to the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s) or general). under these circumstances, the intended service that is prepared for but cancelled can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 73. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
MA Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to service being rendered to a patient with a suspected or confirmed emergency medical condition
MC Ordering professional is not required to consult a clinical decision support mechanism due to the significant hardship exception of electronic health record or clinical decision support mechanism vendor issues
MH Unknown if ordering professional consulted a clinical decision support mechanism for this service, related information was not provided to the furnishing professional or provider
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
QQ Ordering professional consulted a qualified clinical decision support mechanism for this service and the related data was provided to the furnishing professional
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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2014-01-01 Added Added
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