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19083

Biopsy, breast, with placement of breast localization device(s) (e.g., clip, metallic pellet), when performed, percutaneous; first lesion, including ultrasound guidance

Surgery Integumentary System 6.20 Total RVUs
Quick Reference
Percutaneous breast biopsy with ultrasound guidance for first lesion

Relative Value Units (RVUs)

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Work RVU
2.50
Physician effort
PE RVU
3.50
Practice expense
MP RVU
0.20
Malpractice
Total RVU
6.20
Combined value
Dollar reimbursement rates vary by locality and payer. RVUs shown for relative comparison only.
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Clinical Information

When to Use

Percutaneous breast biopsy with ultrasound guidance for first lesion

Time Requirement
Typically 45-60 minutes

Common Scenarios

Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, first lesion
Breast mass biopsy with ultrasound guidance
Palpable or nonpalpable breast lesion biopsy
Breast biopsy with clip placement, ultrasound
Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy

Documentation Requirements

  • Location of first lesion documented
  • Ultrasound guidance documented
  • Biopsy method documented
  • Clip placement if performed documented
  • Specimen sent for pathology

Coding Guidelines

Common Modifiers

59 Distinct procedural service when multiple procedures performed
50 Bilateral procedure
LT Left side
RT Right side

Bundling Rules

  • First lesion only
  • Includes ultrasound guidance
  • May include clip placement
  • Includes local anesthesia

Exclusions

  • Do not bill with stereotactic-guided biopsy (19081)
  • Do not bill with MRI-guided biopsy (19085)

Coding Notes

Common breast imaging procedure
Ultrasound guidance included
First lesion code

Clinical scenarios

Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, first lesion
Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, first lesion
When to use:Percutaneous breast biopsy with ultrasound guidance for first lesion
  • Location of first lesion documented
  • Ultrasound guidance documented
  • Biopsy method documented
Breast mass biopsy with ultrasound guidance
Breast mass biopsy with ultrasound guidance
When to use:Percutaneous breast biopsy with ultrasound guidance for first lesion
  • Location of first lesion documented
  • Ultrasound guidance documented
  • Biopsy method documented
Palpable or nonpalpable breast lesion biopsy
Palpable or nonpalpable breast lesion biopsy
When to use:Percutaneous breast biopsy with ultrasound guidance for first lesion
  • Location of first lesion documented
  • Ultrasound guidance documented
  • Biopsy method documented

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Code Details

Code 19083
Category Surgery
Subcategory Integumentary System
Total RVUs 6.20

Medicare Pricing

PFS
2025 National Rate
$465.79
Facility
$146.53
Non-Facility
$465.79
RVU Breakdown
Work RVU:3.10PE RVU:11.00MP RVU:0.30Total RVU:14.40CF:$32.3465Global Days:000
OPPS Details
APC:5072Status:J1Copayment:
Physician Fee Schedule: Medicare pays physicians based on Relative Value Units (RVUs) multiplied by a conversion factor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 19083?

CPT 19083 is the billing code for "Biopsy, breast, with placement of breast localization device(s) (e.g., clip, metallic pellet), when performed, percutaneous; first lesion, including ultrasound guidance". Percutaneous breast biopsy with ultrasound guidance for first lesion

How much does Medicare pay for CPT 19083?

Medicare pays approximately $465.79 for CPT 19083 (national average). Actual payment varies by geographic location due to GPCI adjustments. Hospital and commercial insurance rates are typically 2-4x higher than Medicare rates.

What are the RVUs for CPT 19083?

CPT 19083 has a total RVU of 6.20, broken down as: Work RVU 2.50, Practice Expense RVU 3.50, and Malpractice RVU 0.20. RVUs (Relative Value Units) determine Medicare reimbursement rates.

What documentation is required for CPT 19083?

Key documentation requirements for CPT 19083 include: Location of first lesion documented; Ultrasound guidance documented; Biopsy method documented; Clip placement if performed documented. Missing or incomplete documentation is a leading cause of claim denials for this code.

Can CPT 19083 be billed with other codes?

Bundling considerations for CPT 19083: First lesion only. Includes ultrasound guidance Use an NCCI bundling checker to verify specific code combinations before billing.

What modifiers are commonly used with CPT 19083?

Common modifiers for CPT 19083 include: 59 (Distinct procedural service when multiple procedures performed), 50 (Bilateral procedure), LT (Left side). Modifiers indicate special circumstances and can affect reimbursement or prevent claim denials.

What is the time requirement for CPT 19083?

The typical time requirement for CPT 19083 is Typically 45-60 minutes. Time-based codes require documentation of the actual time spent providing the service.

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