CPT® Code 23065

Biopsy of the soft tissue in the shoulder area involves the extraction of a small sample of tissue for diagnostic purposes. This procedure targets various soft tissues, which encompass muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, and the tissues that surround joints. The biopsy is typically performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia, or with conscious sedation, depending on the specific site and depth of the biopsy being conducted. Prior to the biopsy, the skin over the designated area is thoroughly cleansed to minimize the risk of infection. A precise incision is made, allowing the surgeon to carefully dissect the tissue down to the mass or lesion while taking precautions to avoid damaging any nearby blood vessels and nerves. Once the tissue sample is obtained, it is sent to a laboratory for histological evaluation, which is reported separately. After the sample is collected, the incision is closed using sutures. It is important to note that CPT® Code 23065 is designated for superficial biopsies, while CPT® Code 23066 is used for biopsies that involve deeper tissues and require more extensive dissection of the overlying tissues.