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Official Description

Placement of breast localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, radioactive seeds), percutaneous; first lesion, including stereotactic guidance

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 19283 involves the placement of a breast localization device, which can include various types such as clips, metallic pellets, wires/needles, or radioactive seeds. This procedure is crucial for accurately identifying the precise location of a lesion in the breast prior to conducting a biopsy or lumpectomy. The localization device serves as a marker, allowing the physician to target the area of concern effectively. To facilitate this process, stereotactic guidance is employed, which utilizes a fixed coordinate system to pinpoint the lesion's unique location within the breast. This is achieved by defining the lesion's position in three-dimensional space using specific x, y, and z coordinates relative to a reference point. During the procedure, the breast is positioned between a compression plate and a support structure to stabilize the lesion. The thickness of the breast under compression is a critical factor, as it determines the depth of the lesion. An initial imaging study is performed at a perpendicular angle to the compression plate, which helps to center the lesion within the biopsy window. Subsequent images are captured at various angles, allowing for precise geometric calculations to ascertain the lesion's location in three dimensions. Once the lesion's position is confirmed, a needle is advanced into the lesion, and imaging is conducted to verify the needle's placement within the mass. For wire localization, a hooked wire is inserted at a perpendicular angle using a needle, remaining anchored in the lesion as the needle is withdrawn, with a portion of the wire extending outside the skin. Alternatively, a plastic stylet equipped with a localization device, such as a clip, metallic pellet, or radioactive seed, is inserted through the biopsy needle and guided to the lesion site using stereotactic techniques. Upon reaching the target, the localization device is released, and both the stylet and needle are removed. This procedure is specifically coded as 19283 for the first lesion, with additional lesions coded separately under 19284.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The placement of a breast localization device is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Lesion Identification The procedure is performed to accurately identify the location of a breast lesion prior to a biopsy or lumpectomy.
  • Preoperative Planning It aids in the surgical planning process by marking the precise site of the lesion for the surgeon.
  • Non-Palpable Lesions This procedure is particularly useful for lesions that cannot be felt during a physical examination, ensuring they can be located during surgery.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the placement of a breast localization device involves several critical steps to ensure accuracy and effectiveness:

  • Initial Positioning The patient is positioned with the breast placed between a compression plate and a support structure. This setup stabilizes the breast and the lesion, allowing for precise imaging and localization.
  • Imaging Acquisition An initial image is obtained at a perpendicular angle to the compression plate at 0 degrees angulation. This image is essential for centering the lesion within the biopsy window of the compression plate.
  • Additional Imaging Further images are captured at specified angles relative to the initial position. This rotation around the known center allows for comprehensive geometric calculations to determine the lesion's location in three-dimensional space.
  • Needle Advancement Using the calculated coordinates, a needle is advanced into the lesion. Imaging is performed to confirm that the needle is correctly placed within the mass.
  • Wire Localization For wire localization, a hooked wire is inserted into the lesion at a perpendicular angle using a needle. The wire remains anchored within the mass when the needle is withdrawn, with a short length extending out through the skin.
  • Device Insertion Alternatively, a plastic stylet with a localization device, such as a clip, metallic pellet, or radioactive seed, is inserted through the biopsy needle. The device is advanced to the lesion site using stereotactic guidance.
  • Device Release Once the localization device reaches the target site, it is released, and both the stylet and needle are removed, completing the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the placement of the breast localization device, the patient may be monitored for any immediate complications. It is important to ensure that the localization device remains securely in place for the upcoming surgical procedure. Patients are typically advised on post-procedure care, which may include instructions on activity restrictions and signs of potential complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Follow-up imaging may be required to confirm the position of the localization device before surgery. The physician will provide specific guidance based on the individual patient's situation and the type of localization device used.

Short Descr PERQ DEV BREAST 1ST STRTCTC
Medium Descr PERQ BREAST LOC DEVICE PLACEMT 1ST STRTCTC GDNCE
Long Descr Placement of breast localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, radioactive seeds), percutaneous; first lesion, including stereotactic 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 STV-Packaged Codes
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 1

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

19284 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Placement of breast localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, radioactive seeds), percutaneous; each additional lesion, including stereotactic 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
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.
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
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.
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.)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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
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
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
TR School-based individualized education program (iep) services provided outside the public school district responsible for the student
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
Date
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2014-01-01 Added Added
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