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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. Unlike standard x-rays used for imaging bones, the x-rays employed in mammography have a longer wavelength, which is more suitable for visualizing soft tissue structures. This procedure is essential for both diagnostic and screening purposes. It is performed on women who exhibit symptoms of breast disease, such as a palpable mass, as well as on asymptomatic women for early cancer detection. 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, and enhances the quality of the images obtained, thereby improving the likelihood of accurately identifying any potential issues within the breast tissue.
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The procedure of bilateral 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:
The bilateral mammography procedure involves several critical steps to ensure accurate imaging of both breasts. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Following the bilateral mammography, patients are generally advised to resume their normal activities immediately. There are typically no specific post-procedure care instructions required, as the procedure is non-invasive and does not involve any recovery time. However, patients may experience temporary discomfort due to breast compression during the imaging process. Results from the mammography will be interpreted by a radiologist, and patients will be informed of the findings, which may lead to further diagnostic steps if any abnormalities are detected.
| Short Descr | MAMMOGRAM BOTH BREASTS | Medium Descr | MAMMOGRAPHY BILATERAL | Long Descr | Mammography; bilateral | 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 |
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| 2016-12-31 | Deleted | Code deleted. See 77066. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2007-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2007. |