Surgery: Integumentary System (Q&A) (April 2019)

April 2019 page 10 Surgery: Integumentary System Question: Following a partial mastectomy, the surgeon placed a compact catheter bundle within the breast, which will be used to deliver brachytherapy. Upon completion of brachytherapy, what is the appropriate code to report the removal of the catheter bundle if it was not performed by the same physician who placed it? Answer: Unlisted code 19499 , Unlisted procedure, breast, may be reported if another physician or qualified health care professional (QHP) performs the removal instead of the placing physician. Therefore, if two professionals are involved, the physician or QHP who places the catheter...

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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 April 2019 CPT Assistant Q&A focuses on integumentary surgery coding guidance involving a breast procedure related to post-mastectomy brachytherapy catheter placement and removal. It is useful for coders, billers, and physicians who need to understand the general reporting issues discussed for multiple-provider involvement and the documentation support expected when an unlisted procedure code is used.

Why This Topic Matters

Articles like this help coding professionals recognize when a breast-related service is discussed in the context of an unlisted procedure and what kind of supporting documentation the article says is needed. It is especially relevant for practices that coordinate surgical and radiation oncology services and want to stay aligned with CPT Assistant commentary.

Article Sections

  1. April 2019 page 10

    A question-and-answer discussion of a breast surgery coding scenario involving post-mastectomy brachytherapy catheter management. The section also addresses general documentation considerations associated with reporting an unlisted procedure.

What You Will Learn

  • The article’s coding topic and clinical context within integumentary surgery
  • How the discussion frames reporting when more than one practitioner is involved
  • The general documentation support mentioned for an unlisted procedure report
  • Why the article may be relevant to breast surgery and radiation therapy coding workflows

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Coding auditors
  • Physician practices
  • Billing specialists
  • Breast surgery staff
  • Radiation oncology staff

Codes Discussed


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