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sentinel lymph node biopsy followed by lymphadenectomy???

Hello,

i hope someone will help with this, cause i am really confused.

if a sentinel lymph node biopsy was done, sent to pathology lab, the result was positive and the doctor decided to do axillary lymphadenectomy (all in the same session).

how should i code this?

i have two options:
1. code only 38745 (Axillary lymphadenectomy; complete) with 38900 (Intraoperative identification (eg, mapping) of sentinel lymph node(s) includes injection of non-radioactive dye, when performed (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
and not to code the biopsy according to American College of Surgeons
http://bulletin.facs.org/2014/09/fre…reast-surgery/
i used this answer as a reference :
When a total mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy is performed, I obtain a frozen section of the nodes and proceed to dissect the axilla if positive. Can I use multiple codes for this procedure?
This is a modified radical mastectomy (19307) with sentinel node mapping procedure (38900). The axillary node biopsy cannot be reported separately from the axillary dissection.

2. code 38525 (Biopsy or excision of lymph node(s); open, deep axillary node(s)) + 38745 (Axillary lymphadenectomy; complete) with 38900 (Intraoperative identification (eg, mapping) of sentinel lymph node(s) includes injection of non-radioactive dye, when performed (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

according to this article in AAPC:
If the biopsy is performed on the same lesion on which a more extensive procedure is performed, it is separately reportable only if the biopsy is utilized for immediate pathologic diagnosis prior to the more extensive procedure, and the decision to proceed with the more extensive procedure is based on the diagnosis established by the pathologic examination

https://www.aapc.com/blog/27807-codi…ive-procedure/

i would really appreciate your help

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Masectomy with axillary node dissection

Need Help!!

Postoperative Dx: Left Breast cancer

Op Note: General anesthetic was given. She was prepped and draped in the usual sterile fashion. An incision was made encompassing the nipple-areolar complex extending medial collateral. Dissection was undertaken to make skin flaps. The flaps were raised to the clavicle, the sternum, and the infra mammary fold and then the breast was elevated off the pectorals muscle including as much as the fascia is possible.
The patient has a previous stroke and her pectoralis muscle was markedly atrophied and dissection was difficult. Continued from medial to lateral in and out to the axilla where axillary contents were dissected free, clips were placed on larger vessels and the contents were swept from the axillary vein down preserving a few intercoastal branchial nerves as well as the long thoracic and thoracodorsal. The specimen sent to pathology and the wound was irrigated with sterile water. 3 drains were placed, 1 in the axilla and 1 under each of the flaps as the patient is on blood thinners. The wound was closed……

Can I use CPT 19302 or 19307. Our NP is suggesting 19307.

Would appreciate help.

Rupa

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Levels 1-3

Good afternoon,

My provider performed an axillary lymph node dissection of levels 1-3 NOT in conjunction with mastectomy.
Does code 38745 include the level 3 nodes? Coding Companion lists only levels 1 & 2. NCCI edits allow the use
of 38525-59 for the level 3 nodes but with it being all on one side with one incision is it appropriate to do this??
If not would it be appropriate to append -22?

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Coding a Partial Mastectomy with SNB and axillary lymph node dissection.

Can I code this 19302,LT, 38745,59 with 38525,59 ?????

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Left breast carcinoma.

POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Left breast carcinoma.

PROCEDURES PERFORMED:
1.Left partial mastectomy with ultrasound localization.
2.Left axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy.
3.Left completion axillary lymph node dissection.

ANESTHESIA: MAC.

ANESTHESIOLOGIST: XXXX

SURGEON: XXXX
ASSISTANT: XXX

INDICATIONS FOR PROCEDURE: 53-year-old female with a newly diagnosed left breast carcinoma. She has a clinically normal axilla. She is undergoing a partial mastectomy with axillary sentinel node sampling at this time. Risks and benefits were explained including bleeding, infection, tumor recurrence, need for additional margin resection, arm edema, nerve injury, and indications for completion axillary lymph node dissection. All questions were answered. She desires to proceed. A surgical assistant is standard, necessary, and customary for the safe performance of this procedure.

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: Monitored anesthesia care was started upon returning from lymphoscintigraphy. Intraoperative ultrasound was utilized to identify the 3 o’clock tumor. The breast and axilla were infiltrated with 1% lidocaine and 0.5% Marcaine. The axilla was initially opened. Multiple hot lymph nodes were present. The highest activity was noted to be 20,000 units on the gamma counter. Subsequent nodes measured 2000 units with background activity all being negligible less than 200 units. The identified hot lymph nodes were all dissected using electrocautery and sent for frozen sectioning. A total of five hot lymph nodes were present, two of which were grossly positive for metastatic breast carcinoma. The axilla was subsequently extended allowing for completion dissection to be performed. The axillary vein was identified and skeletonized inferiorly. The long thoracic nerve and thoracodorsal nerves were both identified and preserved. The intercostal brachial nerve was diminutive in size and difficult to separate from the surrounding fibrofatty tissue. This was intentionally divided during the dissection. The axillary contents were peeled inferiorly and sent for permanent sectioning. Upon completion, the long thoracic and thoracodorsal nerves were confirmed intact and functional. The axillary vein was noted to be hemostatic. The axilla was closed in layer over a #10 flat Jackson-Pratt drain followed by Dermabond.

The breast was incised through a 3 o’clock periareolar incision. Ultrasound was used to guide the dissection. Using electrocautery, a large core of tissue was taken enveloping the entire mass. This was excised ex vivo. Subsequent Ultrasound confirmed the mass centrally located with multiple centimeters of normal surrounding breast parenchyma with the clip easily identified centrally. Satisfactory hemostasis was assured throughout the breast cavity. Additional portions of all six margins were obtained and sent for permanent sampling. The breast had been completely skeletonized from beneath the skin leaving no additional breast tissue to be had at this location. Portions of the pectoralis major fascia were also included. Hemostasis was assured. The defect was closed in layers with absorbable suture followed by Dermabond. Multiple clips had been placed circumferentially around the cavity to allow consideration for postoperative partial breast radiation. The patient was taken to Recovery awake and uneventfully.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum