CPT® Code 38900

Add-On Code

Intraoperative identification (eg, mapping) of sentinel lymph node(s) includes injection of non-radioactive dye, when performed (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The CPT® Code 38900 refers to the intraoperative identification of sentinel lymph node(s), a critical procedure often utilized in surgical oncology. This process, commonly known as lymph node mapping, involves the injection of a non-radioactive dye, typically isosulfan blue, to facilitate the visualization of the sentinel lymph node during surgery. The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to which cancer cells are likely to spread from a primary tumor. By identifying this node, surgeons can assess whether cancer has metastasized, which is crucial for staging the cancer and determining the appropriate course of treatment. The injection of the dye is performed in the tumor bed, allowing the dye to travel through the lymphatic system to the sentinel node, where it can be easily identified. This procedure is performed in conjunction with a primary surgical procedure and is reported separately to ensure accurate coding and reimbursement for the services rendered.