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Official Description

Revision of peri-implant capsule, breast, including capsulotomy, capsulorrhaphy, and/or partial capsulectomy

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 19370 involves the revision of the peri-implant capsule in the breast, which includes techniques such as capsulotomy, capsulorrhaphy, and/or partial capsulectomy. The peri-implant capsule is a fibrous layer of scar tissue that forms around a breast implant, which can lead to complications such as capsular contraction. This condition can result in the breast appearing and feeling unnatural, hard, and may also cause discomfort or pain. Capsular contraction can lead to further complications, including calcifications or adhesions to the surrounding tissue. The purpose of the procedure is to address these issues by either incising or partially excising the capsule to alleviate adhesions or to remove excessive scar tissue, thereby correcting the positioning of the breast implant within its pocket. This procedure is essential for restoring the natural appearance and feel of the breast, improving patient comfort, and addressing any functional issues related to the breast implant.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 19370 is indicated for patients experiencing complications related to breast implants, specifically those involving the peri-implant capsule. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Capsular Contraction - A condition where the fibrous capsule around the implant tightens, causing distortion and discomfort.
  • Hardness or Pain - Patients may report a hardening of the breast tissue or pain associated with the implant due to excessive scar tissue.
  • Calcifications - The presence of calcified scar tissue that may affect the appearance and feel of the breast.
  • Adhesions - Scar tissue that adheres to surrounding tissues, potentially causing complications or discomfort.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 19370 involves several key steps to effectively revise the peri-implant capsule:

  • Step 1: Incision - The surgeon begins by making an incision over the existing scar, which may be located below the areola, under the breast, or in the axilla. This approach allows access to the peri-implant capsule while minimizing additional scarring.
  • Step 2: Capsulotomy or Partial Capsulectomy - The surgeon carefully cuts through the fibrous scar tissue surrounding the previously placed implant. This step may involve releasing scar tissue that has formed within the breast, with or without the removal of scar tissue as necessary. The goal is to relieve pressure on the implant and expand the breast pocket.
  • Step 3: Assessment of Capsule - Once the capsule is accessed, the surgeon assesses its consistency. If the capsule appears normal or slightly thickened without significant adhesions, an enbloc technique may be employed to remove the entire scar tissue capsule along with the implant in one piece. This technique is particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of leaks or spillage from ruptured implants.
  • Step 4: Removal of Excess Scar Tissue - If the capsule is found to be very thin or adherent to surrounding structures, the surgeon will proceed with the necessary excision to remove the capsule and all its contents, ensuring that the procedure addresses the underlying issues effectively.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve monitoring for any complications such as infection or excessive bleeding. Post-operative care typically includes pain management, instructions for wound care, and guidelines for activity restrictions to promote healing. Patients may also be advised on follow-up appointments to assess the surgical site and ensure proper healing of the breast tissue. The expected outcome is an improved appearance and feel of the breast, along with a reduction in discomfort associated with the previous capsular contraction.

Short Descr REVJ PERI-IMPLT CAPSULE BRST
Medium Descr REVISION PERI-IMPLANT CAPSULE BREAST
Long Descr Revision of peri-implant capsule, breast, including capsulotomy, capsulorrhaphy, and/or partial capsulectomy
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
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) 1 - Statutory 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 Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1A - Major procedure - breast
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 175 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on skin and breast
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).
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.
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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.
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).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
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.
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.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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
GK Reasonable and necessary item/service associated with a ga or gz modifier
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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
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
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2021-01-01 Changed Code changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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