Surgery: Integumentary System, Mastotomy with Biopsy, 19020, 19101 (Q&A)

 CPT Assistant, May 2021, Volume 31, Issue 5, page 13

Question:

While performing a mastotomy on a patient for a breast abscess, the surgeon noticed abnormal tissue and performed a biopsy of the tissue for pathology review. May both procedures be reported?

Answer:

Yes, a biopsy of a mass or lesion is not inherent to a mastotomy for a breast abscess. Both codes 19020, Mastotomy with exploration or drainage of abscess, deep, and 19101, Biopsy of breast; open, incisional, may be reported.