Loading...

    Explore
    • Policy Monitoring
    • Live Policy Feed
    • Billing Codes
    • NPI Medicare & Medicaid
    • Healthcare Providers
    • Health Insurance Payers
    • States
    • Service Lines
    • Taxonomy Codes
    Lookup tools
    • Billing Code Lookup
    • CPT Modifier Lookup
    • Provider Taxonomy Code Lookup
    • Healthcare Provider & Facility Lookup
    • Health Insurance Payer Lookup
    • Payer Contact Directory

    Policy & Benchmark Tools

    • Prior Authorization Lookup
    • Coverage Criteria Lookup
    • Timely Filing Lookup
    • Billing Code Reimbursement Rates
    • Payer Comparison Dashboard
    • Facility Comparison Dashboard
    • All tools

    Company

    • About OpenPayer
    • Data Sources
    • Trek Health
    OpenPayerby Trek Health
    LinkedInYouTube

    © 2026 Trek Health. All rights reserved.

    OpenPayer is built and maintained by Trek Health.

    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesFine Needle Aspiration Biopsy ProceduresCPT cpt-10010-fine-needle-aspiration-additional-lesion-ct-guidance
    Ask Trek AI about this page

    CPT 10010: Fine Needle Aspiration, Additional Lesion

    Medicare pays $244 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 10010 describes a fine needle aspiration (FNA) performed to obtain a tissue, cyst, or mass specimen; it is reported for each additional lesion biopsied under CT guidance in addition to the primary code 10009. This is a diagnostic percutaneous aspiration service typically performed by interventional radiology or a proceduralist in an imaging suite or hospital outpatient setting for specimen collection and cytologic evaluation.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Destruction of Pre-Malignant Skin Lesions, Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverage, Treatment of Capillary Malformations (Port Wine Stains).

    Customize your policy alerts

    Sign up for cpt 10010 policy alerts

    Get alerted when payer policies referencing 10010 are released or updated.

    Monitor payer policy activity

    Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

    Table of contents

    Progress1 / 7

    Explore openpayer tools

    • Billing CodesCPT, HCPCS, DRG & more
    • Reimbursement RatesCommercial vs. Medicare rate reports
    • Facility ComparisonBeds, revenue & payer mix
    • ProvidersHospitals & facilities
    • PayersPlans & market footprint
    • Taxonomy CodesNUCC specialty codes
    • ModifiersCPT modifiers & usage
    • Prior AuthorizationPA policies by payer & drug
    • Timely FilingFiling deadlines by payer
    • Coverage CriteriaMedical necessity by payer
    • Payer ContactsClaims, PA & appeals contacts
    View all tools

    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 58-year-old patient presents with a palpable, non-tender 1.5-cm subcutaneous nodule in the lateral neck identified on ultrasound and suspected metastatic lymph node. The interventional radiology team schedules a CT-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) to obtain cytologic material for diagnosis. The patient undergoes conscious sedation per institutional protocol. Under CT guidance, the radiologist localizes the targeted lymph node, advances a fine needle into the lesion, and aspirates cellular material. If multiple suspicious nodes are present, the primary lesion is reported with 10009 and each additional lesion sampled under CT guidance is reported with 10010. The workflow includes pre-procedure consent and documentation of indication, imaging guidance, site preparation, needle type, number of passes, complications (if any), specimen handling (cytology slides, needle rinses), and post-procedure observation. Typical sites of service are hospital outpatient interventional radiology suites, ambulatory surgical centers, or hospital inpatient radiology departments when performed during admission.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    10009Fine needle aspiration; with imaging guidance when performed, initial lesionPrimary code for the initial CT-guided FNA; 10010 is reported for each additional lesion biopsied under the same guidance
    32405Biopsy, lung; percutaneous needle (eg, Tru-Cut) with imaging guidanceCommonly performed when lung nodules require core biopsy rather than FNA; may be performed in the same imaging session if clinically indicated
    77012CT guidance for needle placement (eg, biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization); radiological supervision and interpretationReported for CT image guidance services associated with percutaneous biopsies when appropriate and not bundled by facility billing rules
    88172Cytopathology, immediate cytologic evaluation, for adequacy (eg, FNA)Performed in conjunction with FNA to assess specimen adequacy during the procedure
    76942Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (eg, biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization); imaging supervision and interpretationUsed when ultrasound is the guidance modality instead of CT for needle placement in FNA procedures

    Related Modifiers

    8 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    66Modifier 66 (Surgical Team) is used when three or more surgeons act as primary surgeons on a single, highly complex procedure. The AMA defines it for use when a surgical team — often composed of…- Use modifier 66 when three or more surgeons act as primary surgeons working collaboratively as a surgical team on a single, highly complex or difficult procedure (for example organ…
    73Modifier 73 indicates a facility-level outpatient hospital or ASC procedure that was discontinued after the patient was prepared and taken to the procedure/operating room but before any anesthesia…- When to use: Apply CPT modifier 73 on the FACILITY (outpatient hospital or ASC) claim when the patient has been fully prepared and physically taken into the procedure/operating room but the…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207P00000X
    208000000X
    207K00000X
    208D00000X
    125K00000X
    261QM0850X
    2086S0120X
    175F00000X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    25 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    C16.9Malignant neoplasm of stomach, unspecified
    C18.9Malignant neoplasm of colon, unspecified
    C22.0Liver cell carcinoma
    C25.9Malignant neoplasm of pancreas, unspecified
    C34.90Malignant neoplasm of unspecified part of unspecified bronchus or lung
    C43.9Malignant melanoma of skin, unspecified
    C50.911Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of right female breast
    C61Malignant neoplasm of prostate
    D49.2Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of bone, soft tissue, and skin
    D49.3Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of breast

    Showing 1–10 of 25

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Dermatology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Destruction of Pre-Malignant Skin LesionsAnthem2026-10-01
    Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverageOscar Health2026-10-01
    Treatment of Capillary Malformations (Port Wine Stains)universityofutahhealthplans2026-09-28
    AnzupgoCigna2026-09-15
    Zevaskyn Coverage for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis BullosaCigna2026-09-01
    Topical Acne-Non-Retinoid ProductsCigna2026-08-15
    Dermatology - Vtama Drug Quantity Management Policy - Per DaysCigna2026-08-15
    Medical Necessity Guidelines: Acne and Rosacea Medicationsharvard pilgrim health care2026-08-11
    Dermatology - Anzupgo Prior Authorization PolicyCigna2026-08-05
    Light Therapy for Dermatologic Conditionsbcbsvermont2026-08-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-10004-FINE-NEEDLE-ASPIRATION-ADDITIONAL-LESION

    CPT 10004: Fine Needle Aspiration, Additional Lesion

    CPT-10005-ULTRASOUND-GUIDED-FINE-NEEDLE-ASPIRATION-FIRST-LESION

    CPT 10005: Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration, First Lesion

    CPT-10006-ULTRASOUND-GUIDED-FNA-ADDITIONAL-LESION

    CPT 10006: Fine Needle Aspiration, Additional Lesion, Ultrasound-Guided

    CPT-10007-FINE-NEEDLE-ASPIRATION-FLUOROSCOPIC-GUIDANCE

    CPT 10007: Fluoroscopic Fine Needle Aspiration, First Lesion

    CPT-10008-FINE-NEEDLE-ASPIRATION-ADDITIONAL-LESION-FLUOROSCOPIC

    CPT 10008: Fine Needle Aspiration, Additional Lesion

    CPT-10009-CT-GUIDED-FINE-NEEDLE-ASPIRATION-FIRST-LESION

    CPT 10009: CT-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration, First Lesion

    CPT-10011-MR-GUIDED-FNA-BIOPSY-FIRST-LESION

    CPT 10011: MR-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration, First Lesion

    CPT-10012-MR-GUIDED-FINE-NEEDLE-ASPIRATION-ADDITIONAL-LESION

    CPT 10012: Fine Needle Aspiration, Additional Lesion, MR Guidance

    CPT-10021-FINE-NEEDLE-ASPIRATION-FIRST-LESION-BIOPSY

    CPT 10021: Fine Needle Aspiration (First Lesion)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
    Published by

    Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

    Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.