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Code deleted. See 77066.

Official Description

Mammography; bilateral

© 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. 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.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

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:

  • Symptoms of Breast Disease Mammography is performed on women who present with symptoms indicative of breast disease, such as palpable masses, lumps, or other breast changes that may suggest the presence of a pathological condition.
  • Early Cancer Screening This procedure is also indicated for asymptomatic women as part of routine screening protocols aimed at the early detection of breast cancer, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.

2. Procedure

The bilateral mammography procedure involves several critical steps to ensure accurate imaging of both breasts. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Patient Preparation The patient is positioned in front of the mammography machine, and instructions are provided to ensure comfort and cooperation during the imaging process. The technologist may ask the patient to remove clothing from the waist up and provide a gown for modesty.
  • Breast Compression The breast is placed on a flat imaging plate, and a compression paddle is lowered onto the breast. This compression is essential as it spreads out the breast tissue, reduces motion, and enhances image quality by minimizing the thickness of the tissue being imaged.
  • X-ray Exposure Once the breast is adequately compressed, the technologist will activate the x-ray machine to capture images of the breast. Multiple views are typically taken, including top-to-bottom and side-to-side angles, to provide comprehensive imaging of the breast tissue.
  • Image Review After the images are captured, the technologist will review them to ensure that they meet the quality standards required for diagnostic interpretation. If necessary, additional images may be taken to clarify any areas of concern.

3. Post-Procedure

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
Date
Action
Notes
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.
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