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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; each additional lesion, including magnetic resonance guidance (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© 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 utilizes the magnetic properties of hydrogen atoms within the body, which emit radiofrequency signals when exposed to radio waves in a strong magnetic field. The MRI system processes these signals 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. A specialized biopsy needle, which may be equipped with metallic ringlets, contrast material, or a signal-receiving coil, is then inserted into the lesion under MRI guidance. To ensure an adequate tissue sample, multiple core needle insertions—typically between three to six—are performed. If an automated vacuum-assisted or rotating biopsy device is utilized, a small incision is made, and a breast probe is inserted to draw tissue into the sampling chamber. This device can take multiple samples, often ranging from eight to ten, by rotating approximately 30 degrees between each sample. After the tissue collection is complete, pressure is applied to the biopsy site to minimize bleeding. Additionally, a metallic localization clip or pellet may be placed at the biopsy site to mark the location for future surgical procedures, such as a lumpectomy. This procedure may also include imaging of the biopsy specimen to ensure proper documentation and facilitate subsequent pathological examination of the collected tissue.

© 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 Lesions: Lesions that appear abnormal on imaging studies, such as mammograms or ultrasounds, and require further investigation to determine their nature.
  • Follow-Up of Known Lesions: Monitoring previously identified lesions that have changed in size or appearance, necessitating tissue sampling for diagnosis.
  • Assessment of New Breast Symptoms: New breast symptoms, such as palpable masses or changes in breast contour, that require tissue analysis to rule out malignancy.

2. Procedure

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

  • Preparation: The patient is positioned appropriately for MRI imaging, and the skin over the biopsy site is cleansed to reduce the risk of infection. Local anesthesia is administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
  • Localization: Using MRI, the target lesion is precisely localized. This imaging technique allows the physician to visualize the lesion in real-time, ensuring accurate needle placement.
  • Needle Insertion: A biopsy needle, which may have special features such as metallic ringlets or a signal-receiving coil, is inserted into the lesion under MRI guidance. The physician may use either a core needle or an automated vacuum-assisted device for tissue sampling.
  • Tissue Sampling: If a core needle biopsy is performed, the needle is inserted into the lesion to obtain tissue samples. Typically, 3-6 separate core needle insertions are required to gather sufficient tissue. In the case of an automated device, a small incision is made, and a breast probe is inserted to draw tissue into the sampling chamber, allowing for multiple samples to be taken, usually 8-10, with rotations of approximately 30 degrees between each sample.
  • Clip Placement: After the tissue samples are collected, 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: Once the sampling is complete, the biopsy needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the biopsy site to control any bleeding. A plastic stylet with a metal clip or pellet is then inserted through the biopsy needle and advanced to the biopsy site using imaging guidance, where the clip or pellet is released before removing the stylet and needle.

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 keeping the biopsy site clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities for a specified period, and monitoring for any signs of complications. Follow-up imaging may be recommended to assess the biopsy site and ensure proper healing. Additionally, the collected tissue samples will be sent for pathological examination to determine the presence of any abnormalities, and results will be communicated to the patient and referring physician in a timely manner.

Short Descr BX BREAST ADD LESION MR IMAG
Medium Descr BX BREAST W/DEVICE ADDL LESION MAGNET 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; each additional lesion, including magnetic resonance guidance (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No 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 Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1A - Major procedure - breast
MUE 2

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

19085 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 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
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
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
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
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).
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).
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.
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.)
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)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2014-01-01 Added Added
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