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Official Description

Preoperative placement of needle localization wire, breast; each additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

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.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

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:

  • Multiple Lesions Patients with more than one identified breast mass that necessitates localization for surgical excision.
  • Preoperative Planning Situations where precise localization of lesions is critical for effective surgical planning and execution.
  • Imaging Findings Cases where imaging studies, such as mammograms or ultrasounds, reveal additional lesions that need to be addressed during surgery.

2. 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:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is positioned appropriately, and the area of the breast is cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection. The physician reviews the imaging studies to identify the location of the additional lesions that require localization.
  • Step 2: Imaging Guidance Utilizing imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or mammography, the physician locates the targeted mass. This step is crucial as it ensures that the needle is accurately placed over the lesion, allowing for precise intervention.
  • Step 3: Needle Insertion A hollow needle is carefully inserted through the skin of the breast, directly over the identified lesion. The physician ensures that the needle is positioned correctly to facilitate the next step.
  • Step 4: Guidewire Placement Once the needle is in place, a guidewire is threaded through the hollow needle and into the mass. This guidewire serves as a marker for the surgeon, indicating the exact location of the lesion during the surgical procedure.
  • Step 5: Confirmation After the guidewire is placed, the physician may perform additional imaging to confirm that the wire is correctly positioned within the lesion. This step is essential to ensure that the localization is accurate before proceeding with surgery.

3. Post-Procedure

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
Date
Action
Notes
2014-01-01 Deleted Deleted
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1993-01-01 Added Code added.
Code
Description
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