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CPT®
77055

CPT® Code 77055
Deleted

Code deleted. See 77065.

Official Description

Mammography; unilateral

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Mammography is a specialized radiographic imaging technique specifically designed for the examination of breast tissue. The procedure utilizes low-dose ionizing radiation to produce detailed images of the breast, allowing for the detection of abnormalities such as tumors or cysts. The x-rays employed in mammography differ from those used in standard bone imaging, as they have a longer wavelength, which is more suitable for visualizing soft tissue structures. This procedure is particularly important for women who exhibit symptoms of breast disease, such as a palpable mass, as well as for asymptomatic women undergoing routine cancer screening. During the mammography process, the breast is carefully compressed between two plates on a dedicated mammography machine. This compression serves multiple purposes: it evens out the dense breast tissue, minimizes motion during the imaging process, and enhances the quality of the resulting images. The primary goal of mammography is to facilitate early detection of breast cancer, significantly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of unilateral mammography is indicated for various clinical scenarios, primarily focusing on the detection and evaluation of breast abnormalities. The following conditions warrant the performance of this procedure:

  • Symptoms of Breast Disease Mammography is performed on women who present with symptoms indicative of breast disease, such as pain, swelling, or changes in breast shape or texture.
  • Palpable Mass If a woman has a palpable mass in the breast, mammography is utilized to assess the nature of the mass and determine if further investigation or intervention is necessary.
  • Early Cancer Screening As part of routine screening protocols, mammography is recommended for asymptomatic women to detect potential breast cancer at an early stage, even before any symptoms are present.

2. Procedure

The procedure for unilateral mammography involves several critical steps to ensure accurate imaging of the breast. Each step is designed to optimize the quality of the mammogram while ensuring patient comfort and safety.

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is instructed to remove any clothing from the waist up and to avoid wearing deodorants, powders, or lotions that may interfere with the imaging process. The technologist will explain the procedure and answer any questions to ensure the patient is comfortable.
  • Step 2: Positioning The patient is positioned in front of the mammography machine. The breast to be examined is placed on the imaging plate, and the technologist will assist in positioning the breast to achieve the best possible view. Proper positioning is crucial for obtaining clear images.
  • Step 3: Compression Once the breast is positioned, the technologist will gently compress the breast between two plates. This compression is essential as it spreads out the breast tissue, reduces motion, and enhances image quality. The patient may experience some discomfort during this step, but it is brief.
  • Step 4: Imaging The mammography machine will then take the x-ray images. Typically, two views of the breast are obtained: a top-to-bottom view and a side view. The technologist will ensure that the images are of high quality and may take additional images if necessary.
  • Step 5: Post-Procedure Care After the imaging is complete, the patient can dress and resume normal activities. The technologist will provide any necessary instructions regarding follow-up or additional imaging if required.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the unilateral mammography, patients are generally advised to wait for the radiologist's interpretation of the images. Results are typically communicated to the patient through their healthcare provider. If any abnormalities are detected, further diagnostic procedures, such as additional imaging or biopsy, may be recommended. Patients are encouraged to discuss any concerns or questions regarding their results with their healthcare provider to ensure appropriate follow-up care and management.
Short Descr MAMMOGRAM ONE BREAST
Medium Descr MAMMOGRAPHY UNILATERAL
Long Descr Mammography; unilateral
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
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 9 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
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 Service Paid under Fee Schedule or Payment System other than OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 4 - Diagnostic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I1A - Standard imaging - chest
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 182 - Mammography
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
TL Early intervention/individualized family service plan (ifsp)
Date
Action
Notes
2016-12-31 Deleted Code deleted. See 77065.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2007-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2007.
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