CPT® Code 10006

Add-On Code

Fine needle aspiration biopsy, including ultrasound guidance; each additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The CPT® Code 10006 refers to a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) that includes ultrasound guidance for each additional lesion. This procedure utilizes a fine gauge needle, typically 22- or 25-gauge, along with a syringe to extract fluid from a cyst or to collect clusters of cells from a solid mass. The process begins with the cleansing of the biopsy site, followed by the physician locating the lump through palpation. In cases where the lump is not palpable, imaging guidance, such as ultrasound, is employed to facilitate the FNA biopsy. For masses that are easier to locate, fluoroscopic guidance may also be utilized. Once the needle is accurately positioned within the mass, a vacuum is created, and the physician performs multiple in-and-out motions with the needle while pulling back on the syringe to ensure an adequate tissue sample is obtained. It is common for several needle insertions to be necessary to collect sufficient material for analysis. The collected samples are then prepared by smearing them onto a microscope slide, allowing them to air dry, and subsequently fixing them through spraying or immersion in a liquid. After fixation, the smears are stained and examined under a microscope by a pathologist for diagnostic purposes. Notably, FNA does not require stitches and is generally performed on an outpatient basis, allowing many patients to return to their normal activities on the same day. For billing purposes, code 10005 is reported for the first lesion biopsied by FNA with ultrasound guidance, while code 10006 is designated for each additional lesion biopsied in the same session.