CPT® Code 19290

Deleted

The CPT® Code 19290 refers to the preoperative placement of a needle localization wire in the breast. This procedure is performed with the aid of imaging guidance, which may include techniques such as ultrasound or mammography. The primary objective of this procedure is to accurately locate a targeted mass within the breast tissue. During the procedure, a physician inserts a hollow needle through the skin of the breast, positioning it directly over the identified mass. Inside this needle, a guidewire is threaded and advanced into the mass itself. This guidewire serves as a marker, allowing the surgeon to precisely locate the mass during subsequent surgical interventions, such as an excision or biopsy, which will occur in a separate operative session. The use of needle localization is particularly important in cases where the mass is not palpable or is difficult to visualize, ensuring that the surgical team can effectively target the area of concern for further evaluation or treatment.