Surgery: Hemic and Lymphatic System (October 2005)

October 2005 page 23b Coding Consultation: Questions and Answers Hemic and Lymphatic System, 38500, 38525 (Q&A) Question Clarify the differences between superficial axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy and deep axillary nodes. Is a biopsy of superficial lymph nodes considered Level I and Level II nodes whereas deep axillary nodes are considered Level III (eg, codes 38500 , 38525 )? AMA Comment The axilla lymph are divided into Levels I through III. Level II and III would always be deep. Level I may be deep or superficial depending upon where in Level I and the patient's body habitus. Superficial nodes...

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

Article Overview

This article is a short AMA CPT Assistant coding consultation focused on hemic and lymphatic system topics. It discusses how axillary lymph node levels are organized and frames a question about the relationship between superficial and deep lymph node biopsy terminology and related CPT code references. The piece is useful for coders working in surgical pathology, breast surgery, and lymph node procedures who need to understand the anatomy and coding context addressed in the consultation.

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate interpretation of lymph node anatomy terms can affect code selection and documentation review for axillary procedures. This Q&A helps readers understand the coding context the AMA was addressing in 2005.

What You Will Learn

  • How the article frames axillary lymph node level terminology in a coding consultation context.
  • What general anatomical distinctions are being discussed for superficial and deep lymph node areas.
  • How the guidance is positioned for surgical coding review in the hemic and lymphatic system.

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Coding auditors
  • Physician documentation staff
  • Surgical coding specialists

Codes Discussed


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