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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesFine Needle Aspiration Biopsy ProceduresCPT cpt-10011-mr-guided-fna-biopsy-first-lesion
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    CPT 10011: MR-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration, First Lesion

    CPT code 10011 describes an MR-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedure in which a provider uses magnetic resonance imaging to guide a specialized needle and syringe to collect a diagnostic tissue, cyst, or mass specimen; this code is reported for the first lesion biopsied, represents an image-guided percutaneous biopsy service, and is typically performed in an outpatient imaging center or hospital radiology suite under procedural/surgical service.

    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).

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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 56-year-old female presents with a palpable 2.5 cm breast mass identified on prior diagnostic mammography and targeted ultrasound. The lesion is suspicious for malignancy and requires tissue diagnosis. Under MR imaging guidance, the interventional radiologist performs a fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the lesion using a specialized needle and syringe to obtain cytology specimens. The patient is positioned in the MRI scanner, the lesion is localized with MR sequences, and sterile technique is used for percutaneous needle placement. A single lesion is aspirated; samples are placed in appropriate transport media and sent to cytopathology. Post-procedure imaging confirms no immediate complication and the patient is monitored in recovery before discharge with follow-up arranged for pathology results.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    10011Fine needle aspiration under MR imaging guidance; first lesionPrimary procedure code for the MR-guided diagnostic FNA of the first lesion sampled
    77021Magnetic resonance guidance for needle placement (e.g., biopsy, aspiration), imaging supervision and interpretationMR guidance technical and professional imaging services that may be reported when separate from the biopsy procedure
    88172Cytopathology, immediate interpretation (e.g., touch prep, smears), when performedRapid onsite evaluation of FNA specimens to assess adequacy during the procedure
    76942Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (when ultrasound, not MR, is used)Alternative image guidance code when ultrasound guidance is used instead of MR
    10012Fine needle aspiration under MR imaging guidance; each additional lesionReported for each additional lesion aspirated during the same session in addition to the first lesion (10011)

    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…
    23Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
    50Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
    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…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and 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…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207RI0200X
    207L00000X
    324500000X
    175T00000X
    1835E0208X
    2080T0004X
    251J00000X
    2084S0012X

    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-10010-FINE-NEEDLE-ASPIRATION-ADDITIONAL-LESION-CT-GUIDANCE

    CPT 10010: Fine Needle Aspiration, Additional 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.
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