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CPT 19101: Open Incisional Breast Biopsy
CPT code 19101 denotes an open incisional biopsy of a breast lesion, a surgical diagnostic procedure used to obtain tissue for pathology when a portion of a suspicious breast lesion must be sampled. This code is nationally relevant because breast biopsy procedures are essential for cancer diagnosis and directly affect downstream treatment planning, utilization, and surgical care pathways. Payers commonly encountered in coverage and payment discussions include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of what the code represents, the clinical context for using an open incisional approach versus other biopsy techniques, and the typical sites of service where the procedure occurs. The publication presents billing and policy benchmarks, common modifier usage, and payer coverage considerations when available. It also outlines clinical implications for coding accuracy and documentation to support medical necessity. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable. This summary is designed for national audiences including revenue cycle professionals, surgical teams, and policy analysts seeking concise guidance on the clinical and billing context of CPT code 19101.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 19101 describes an open incisional biopsy of a breast lesion, in which the provider removes a small amount of tissue from a suspicious breast lesion for diagnostic evaluation. The procedure is performed using an open surgical (incisional) approach to obtain representative tissue for pathology.
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Service type: Surgical diagnostic procedure (open/incisional breast biopsy)
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient/inpatient surgical setting, depending on clinical context and facility resources.