Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Biopsy of tongue; posterior one-third

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 41105 refers to a biopsy procedure specifically targeting the posterior one-third of the tongue. An incisional biopsy is performed to assess abnormal growths, lesions, or areas of the tongue that appear suspicious. This procedure is crucial for diagnosing potential pathologies that may require further medical intervention. During the biopsy, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort at the site of the procedure. Following anesthesia, a precise incision is made in the tongue, allowing for the removal of a slice of tissue from the identified suspicious area. This tissue sample is then sent for pathology examination, which is reported separately, to determine the nature of the abnormality. It is important to note that for biopsies of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, CPT® Code 41100 should be utilized, while CPT® Code 41105 is specifically designated for the posterior two-thirds of the tongue.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The biopsy of the posterior one-third of the tongue, coded as CPT® 41105, is indicated for the evaluation of various abnormal conditions. The following are the specific indications for performing this procedure:

  • Abnormal Growths The presence of unusual masses or growths on the tongue that may require further investigation to rule out malignancy or other pathological conditions.
  • Lesions The identification of lesions that appear suspicious or atypical, necessitating a biopsy to determine their nature and appropriate management.
  • Suspicious-Appearing Areas Areas of the tongue that exhibit changes in color, texture, or other characteristics that raise concern for potential disease processes.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting a biopsy of the posterior one-third of the tongue involves several critical steps, each essential for ensuring accurate results and patient safety. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration The first step in the procedure is the administration of a local anesthetic at the planned biopsy site. This is crucial for minimizing discomfort during the biopsy and ensuring that the patient remains comfortable throughout the process.
  • Step 2: Incision Once the local anesthetic has taken effect, the physician makes a precise incision in the posterior one-third of the tongue. This incision is carefully placed to access the suspicious area while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 3: Tissue Removal After the incision is made, a slice of tissue is removed from the identified suspicious area. This tissue sample is critical for subsequent pathological examination, as it will provide the necessary information to diagnose any underlying conditions.
  • Step 4: Sample Handling The excised tissue sample is then properly handled and prepared for pathology examination. It is essential that the sample is sent for separate reporting to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

3. Post-Procedure

After the biopsy of the posterior one-third of the tongue is completed, several post-procedure care considerations are important for patient recovery. Patients may experience some discomfort or swelling at the biopsy site, which is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relief as recommended by the physician. It is also advised that patients avoid consuming hot, spicy, or abrasive foods for a short period to minimize irritation to the biopsy site. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the pathology results and any further management required based on the findings. Additionally, patients should be instructed to monitor for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, and to contact their healthcare provider if these symptoms occur.

Short Descr BIOPSY OF TONGUE
Medium Descr BIOPSY TONGUE POSTERIOR ONE-THIRD
Long Descr Biopsy of tongue; posterior one-third
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - 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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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 Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 31 - Diagnostic procedures on nose, mouth and pharynx
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).
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.
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.)
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
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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
Action
Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"