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Official Description

Biopsy of salivary gland; incisional

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 42405 refers to an incisional biopsy of a salivary gland. This medical intervention is performed to obtain a tissue sample from the salivary gland, which may be enlarged or harbor a lump or mass. The primary purpose of conducting this biopsy is to ascertain the underlying cause of the gland's enlargement, evaluate any abnormal growths, or diagnose conditions such as Sjogren's disease. Sjogren's disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to a significant reduction in tear production, resulting in dry eyes, as well as decreased saliva production, causing dry mouth and dry mucous membranes. The procedure involves making an incision in the skin and dissecting the subcutaneous tissues to access the salivary gland directly. This approach allows for a more comprehensive tissue sample to be obtained compared to a core needle biopsy, which is less invasive. The collected tissue is then prepared for histological evaluation, which is a separate reportable service that provides detailed information about the cellular structure of the sampled tissue, aiding in the diagnosis and management of potential pathologies associated with the salivary gland.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Biopsy of the salivary gland is indicated for several specific reasons, primarily related to the evaluation of abnormalities within the gland. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Enlargement of the gland - When the salivary gland is swollen, a biopsy may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the enlargement.
  • Lump or mass on the gland - The presence of a lump or mass may raise concerns for potential malignancy or other pathological conditions, necessitating a biopsy for further evaluation.
  • Diagnosis of Sjogren's disease - This autoimmune disorder can lead to significant symptoms such as dry mouth and dry eyes, and a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis by examining the salivary gland tissue.

2. Procedure

The procedure for an incisional biopsy of the salivary gland involves several critical steps to ensure accurate tissue sampling and patient safety. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation - The skin over the biopsy site is thoroughly disinfected to minimize the risk of infection. A local anesthetic is then injected to numb the area, ensuring that the patient experiences minimal discomfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Incision - A small incision is made in the skin over the salivary gland. This incision allows access to the gland and any associated lumps or masses that may be present.
  • Step 3: Dissection - The subcutaneous tissues are carefully dissected to expose the salivary gland and/or the suspicious lump or mass. This step is crucial for obtaining a sufficient tissue sample.
  • Step 4: Tissue Sampling - A tissue sample is obtained from the salivary gland or the mass. This sample is critical for histological evaluation, which will provide insights into the cellular characteristics of the tissue.
  • Step 5: Closure - After the tissue sample is collected, the incision site is closed appropriately, and any necessary post-procedure care instructions are provided to the patient.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the incisional biopsy of the salivary gland, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and considerations. It is essential to monitor the biopsy site for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a short period to facilitate healing. Additionally, the tissue sample collected will be sent for histological evaluation, and results will typically be communicated to the patient in a follow-up appointment. Proper care and adherence to post-procedure instructions are vital for optimal recovery and accurate diagnosis based on the biopsy results.

Short Descr BIOPSY OF SALIVARY GLAND
Medium Descr BIOPSY SALIVARY GLAND INCISIONAL
Long Descr Biopsy of salivary gland; incisional
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 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) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 31 - Diagnostic procedures on nose, mouth and pharynx

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

77002 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement (eg, biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
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.)
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
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
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