Q & A

In the following procedures, where are codes for biopsy of breast assigned? ...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AHA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This Q&A-style article explains a specific coding topic in ICD-9-CM procedural assignment for breast biopsy-related surgery. It is relevant for coders and billing staff working with surgical pathology, breast procedures, and procedure sequencing questions. The article focuses on how different procedure scenarios are handled at a high level, including cases involving excisional biopsy, tissue removal, and definitive surgery.

Why This Topic Matters

Breast procedure coding can affect claim accuracy, procedure reporting, and downstream coding decisions. Understanding the article’s scope helps readers determine whether they need guidance on ICD-9-CM breast surgery assignment and related procedure prioritization.

Article Sections

  1. Breast biopsy procedure assignment

    Discusses where procedure codes are assigned for breast biopsy-related surgery and introduces the coding context for excisional biopsy scenarios.

  2. Open excisional biopsy

    Covers the coding treatment of an open biopsy approach when breast tissue is removed for diagnostic examination.

  3. Excision of entire lesion

    Addresses the situation in which the full lesion is removed and the procedure is categorized under a different breast surgery code family.

  4. Frozen section biopsy with excision or mastectomy

    Touches on cases where biopsy is performed alongside a more definitive breast operation and the principal procedure must be determined.

What You Will Learn

  • How the article frames breast biopsy-related procedure coding in ICD-9-CM
  • How excisional biopsy scenarios are discussed at a broad level
  • How combined biopsy and major breast surgery situations are addressed
  • How the article distinguishes among procedure categories for breast tissue removal

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Coding auditors
  • Billing staff
  • Revenue cycle professionals
  • Surgical documentation reviewers

Codes Discussed

  • ICD-9-CM: 85.12
  • ICD-9-CM: 85.21

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