AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2019 Issue 1 (Winter)
Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
CLINICAL EXAMPLE 1 Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy PROCEDURE Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy CLINICAL HISTORY A 45-year-old woman is referred for biopsy of a 3-cm solid thyroid nodule diagnosed on a previous ultrasound examination. TECHNIQUE 10005 The patient's previous diagnostic ultrasound of the thyroid gland was reviewed, which demonstrated a 3-cm hypoechoic solid nodule in the lower pole of the left lobe. The patient was prepped and draped using sterile technique. Local anesthesia was achieved with subcutaneous injection of 1% lidocaine. Under ultrasound guidance, a 22-gauge needle was advanced into the previously identified solid lesion and an aspiration...
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Article Overview
This premium article explains a clinical radiology example and the associated coding discussion for image-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy. It is useful for coders and billers who need to understand how the topic fits into CPT reporting changes, related biopsy services, and modifier use in multi-procedure scenarios. The article also references historical and updated guidance from AMA and radiology coding sources.
Why This Topic Matters
The topic affects how imaging-guided biopsy services are reported and how related guidance is handled across procedure combinations and service dates. It is relevant to coding professionals working with radiology, pathology support, and biopsy documentation.
Article Sections
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Clinical Example 1
A patient scenario and procedure summary illustrating the overall service discussed in the article.
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How to Code
A brief coding presentation tied to the example and the associated CPT reporting approach.
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Discussion
Background guidance on reporting changes over time, imaging guidance, multiple lesion scenarios, and related modifier considerations.
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Sources
Referenced professional publications and radiology coding source materials.
What You Will Learn
- The general coding context for ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy
- How the article frames reporting changes across service dates
- How related biopsy and imaging guidance topics are discussed in multi-procedure settings
- Which professional sources support the coding example
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Radiology coders
- Billing professionals
- Coding educators
- Compliance staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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