Breast and Chest Wall Procedures (December 2019)

December 2019 page 4 Breast and Chest Wall Procedures The 2020 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set has significant changes in the Integumentary System/Breast subsection. The Incision and Excision subheadings have been deleted; code 19304 has been deleted; and chest wall procedure codes 19260, 19271, and 19272 have been renumbered and relocated in the CPT code set. In addition, new introductory guidelines and definitions have been added to the Breast subsection. This article provides information about these changes. Deletion of CPT Code 19304 In 2017, the CPT Assistant Editorial Board requested clarification for coding nipple- and skin-sparing mastectomy...

Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.

articles:    previous index next
Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This CPT-focused article explains a set of 2020 updates affecting breast and chest wall procedure reporting. It is relevant for coders, auditors, and billing staff working with breast surgery, biopsy, mastectomy, and chest wall excision documentation. The article covers structural changes to the CPT Breast subsection, relocation of certain chest wall procedure codes, revision of breast biopsy and localization guidance, and added introductory material for mastectomy procedures.

Why This Topic Matters

These changes affect how common breast and chest wall services are organized within CPT and may influence code lookup, documentation review, and claim preparation. The article helps readers understand the scope of the 2020 revision so they can navigate the updated code set accurately.

Article Sections

  1. December 2019 page 4

    Introductory placement and overview of the CPT Breast and Chest Wall Procedures update for the 2020 code set.

  2. Deletion of CPT Code 19304

    Discussion of the CPT update involving removal of a breast procedure code and the surrounding context for the change.

  3. Procedure Codes for Chest Wall Relocation

    Overview of chest wall procedure code relocation and renumbering within the CPT code set, including related cross-reference updates.

  4. Excision

    Presentation of relocated chest wall excision procedure codes and a note about related code reporting relationships.

  5. New Guidelines

    Summary of revised breast subsection guidance covering biopsy-related procedures, breast localization device placement, bilateral procedure reporting, and updated mastectomy introductory text.

What You Will Learn

  • What types of CPT breast and chest wall changes were made for 2020.
  • Which areas of the Breast subsection were revised or reorganized.
  • What categories of procedure guidance were updated in the breast biopsy, localization, and mastectomy areas.
  • How the article frames the relationship between relocated chest wall procedures and the broader CPT structure.

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Coding auditors
  • Billing staff
  • Revenue cycle teams
  • Surgical documentation specialists

Codes Discussed


Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.

Access to this feature is available in the following products:
  • AMA's CPT® Assistant & CER - Current + Archives/Advanced Coding Pack

Boost Your Coding Precision with CPT Assistant

Welcome to the ultimate resource for mastering CPT coding – the CPT® Assistant. This indispensable tool, brought to you by the American Medical Association (AMA), is designed specifically for medical coders, auditors, and billers who strive for accuracy and efficiency in their daily work with patient charts. Whether you are validating codes, training staff, or appealing insurance denials, CPT Assistant provides the authoritative guidance you need to excel.

Features

CPT Assistant

  • Expert Insights: Explanations and interpretations by the CPT Assistant Editorial Board.

  • Curated Content: Articles addressing key coding topics are meticulously curated for your convenience.

  • Visual Learning: Detailed examples, charts, graphs and illustrations to help you understand correct coding practices.

  • Monthly Updates: Regular updates on the latest coding changes and best practices.

  • Extensive Archive: Access more than 25 years of historical reference material.

  • Search Capabilities: Enjoy simple and effective search functions by keyword, code number, or article index.

Advantages and Benefits

With CPT Assistant, you can navigate the complexities of medical coding with unparalleled confidence. This resource offers authoritative answers and expert explanations that help reduce coding errors, leading to fewer claim denials and streamlined appeals processes. The comprehensive archive of articles, updated monthly, ensures you always have the most current information at your fingertips, enhancing your ability to stay ahead of industry changes and trends.

CPT Assistant’s visual aids, such as anatomical illustrations and procedural charts, make complex codes easier to understand, improving your accuracy and efficiency. By integrating this resource into your daily workflow, you can save valuable time and enhance your productivity.

Furthermore, CPT Assistant supports your professional growth by providing ongoing education and insights that keep you informed about the latest coding practices. This not only boosts your professional credibility but also enhances your ability to train and support your team effectively.

Get Started Today

Unlock your full potential and boost your coding capabilities with CPT Assistant today and experience the benefits of having a reliable, comprehensive coding resource at your disposal.

Contact Find-A-Code Customer Support for more information and to get started.


demo
request yours today
 subscribe
start today
 newsletter
free subscription

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.

Aimee- AI -powered coding assistant - Try it now for Free Would you like Aimee - AI
to help you with this?