CPT® Code 48100

The CPT® Code 48100 refers to the procedure of performing an open biopsy of the pancreas, which can include various techniques such as fine needle aspiration (FNA), needle core biopsy (NCB), and wedge biopsy. This procedure involves making an incision in the abdomen to access the pancreas, allowing the physician to identify and sample a lesion present in the pancreatic tissue. In the case of fine needle aspiration, a thin needle is inserted into the lesion to extract cellular material for cytopathological analysis. This technique may require multiple insertions to ensure that an adequate sample is collected for accurate diagnosis. Alternatively, during a needle core biopsy, a larger bore needle is utilized to obtain a more substantial tissue sample, which is then visually inspected, and additional samples may be taken if necessary. If a wedge biopsy is performed, a small wedge-shaped section of the pancreas that includes the lesion is excised for further examination. This procedure is critical for diagnosing pancreatic conditions and determining the appropriate course of treatment based on the histological findings from the biopsy samples.