CPT® Code 77032

Deleted

Mammographic guidance for needle placement, breast (eg, for wire localization or for injection), each lesion, radiological supervision and interpretation

This CPT® code 77032 pertains to the radiological supervision and interpretation involved in mammographic guidance for needle placement in the breast. Specifically, it is utilized when a needle is positioned within a single breast lesion, which may be necessary for various procedures, including wire localization or injection. The process begins with the identification of the area of concern, which is marked on the skin, and mammographic images are captured to visualize the breast tissue. These images serve as a guide for the precise advancement of the needle into the lesion. Following the needle placement, additional mammographic x-rays are taken to ensure that the needle is accurately positioned within the mass before any further procedures are conducted. This code is essential for documenting the radiological component of the procedure, which is typically reported alongside surgical codes that correspond to the actual intervention performed. In the case of wire localization, a hooked wire is inserted through the needle into the lesion at a perpendicular angle, remaining anchored within the mass while the needle is withdrawn. The wire, which extends slightly outside the skin, acts as a marker for subsequent surgical procedures, ensuring accurate targeting of the lesion during treatment.