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The CPT® Code 19291 refers to the preoperative placement of a needle localization wire in the breast for each additional lesion beyond the first. This procedure is essential in the context of breast surgery, particularly when multiple lesions are identified that require surgical intervention. The localization wire serves as a guide for the surgeon, ensuring precise targeting of the lesions during the surgical procedure. The process involves the use of imaging guidance, which may include techniques such as ultrasound or mammography, to accurately position the needle over the targeted mass. Once the needle is correctly placed, a guidewire is inserted through the hollow needle into the mass, allowing for clear identification of the lesion during surgery. This code is specifically used in conjunction with CPT® Code 19290, which covers the placement of the first localization wire, thereby indicating that 19291 is an add-on code used to report additional lesions that require similar localization procedures.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 19291 is indicated for patients who have multiple breast lesions that require surgical intervention. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 19291 involves several key steps that ensure accurate placement of the localization wire for each additional lesion. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the placement of the localization wire using CPT® Code 19291, the patient may be monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection at the insertion site. The localization wire remains in place until the surgical procedure is performed, allowing the surgeon to accurately locate the lesion. Patients are typically advised on post-procedure care, which may include instructions to avoid strenuous activities and to keep the area clean and dry. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to ensure proper healing and to discuss the results of the surgical intervention.
| Short Descr | PLACE NEEDLE WIRE BREAST | Medium Descr | PREOP PLMT LOCALIZATION WIRE BREAST EACH LESION | Long Descr | Preoperative placement of needle localization wire, breast; each additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | 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 | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | 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 | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 165 - Breast biopsy and other diagnostic procedures on breast |
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| 2014-01-01 | Deleted | Deleted |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1993-01-01 | Added | Code added. |
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