Summary & Overview
CPT 19282: Mammographic-Guided Breast Localization Device Placement
CPT code 19282 designates an add-on, image-guided breast localization procedure performed under mammographic guidance to place a localization device (clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, or radioactive seed) at the same session as placement of another device at an initial lesion. This code matters nationally because accurate localization is critical for targeted surgical excision, image-guided biopsy planning, and coordination between radiology and surgical teams. Proper coding affects claims processing, facility reimbursement, and documentation of combined localization services.
Key payers in this review include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical context for 19282, typical sites of service, and which payers commonly adjudicate add-on breast localization services. The publication summarizes benchmarking elements relevant to utilization and reimbursement practices, highlights potential billing and documentation considerations for combined localization procedures, and outlines how 19282 fits into the broader care pathway for image-guided breast interventions.
The report is designed for coding professionals, radiology and breast surgery clinicians, and revenue cycle staff who need a national-level reference for clinical description, payer coverage context, and where 19282 is applied in care workflows. Data not available in the input.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 19282 is an add-on procedure for placement of a breast localization device under mammographic guidance. The procedure involves placing a localization marker — such as a clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, or radioactive seed — at the same session when another device is placed at an initial lesion. This code is reported in addition to the primary localization or placement service.
Service type: Image-guided breast localization (add-on procedure)
Typical site of service: Outpatient imaging suite, breast imaging center, or ambulatory surgical center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old woman with a suspicious mammographic finding scheduled for diagnostic localization and biopsy. Under mammographic guidance, the radiologist performs placement of a localization device (such as a clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, or radioactive seed) into a secondary lesion at the same session when another device was placed at the initial lesion. The typical workflow includes patient consent and positioning in the mammography suite, diagnostic mammographic imaging to target the lesion, aseptic preparation, placement of the localization device with image confirmation, and documentation of device type and laterality. The procedure is frequently performed in an outpatient radiology or breast center setting with nursing support; the patient may be discharged the same day with instructions for wound care and follow-up surgical or interventional planning.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When reporting only the physician’s interpretation or professional portion related to imaging guidance or image interpretation during localization |
50 | Bilateral procedure | When localization devices are placed in both breasts during the same session |
52 | Reduced services | When the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as planned |
53 | Discontinued procedure | When the procedure is started but terminated due to extenuating circumstances or patient condition |
59 | Distinct procedural service | When this add-on localization is distinct from other unrelated procedures performed the same day |
62 | Two surgeons | When two surgeons work together as primary surgeons during the same operative session that includes localization steps |
76 | Repeat procedure by same physician | When the same physician repeats the localization procedure subsequent to an earlier attempt on the same day |
77 | Repeat procedure by another physician | When a different physician repeats the localization during the same day |
78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure | |
80 | Assistant surgeon | When an assistant surgeon participates in the case requiring reporting of assistant services |
81 | Minimum assistant surgeon | When a minimum assistant surgeon participates |
AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services | When these non-physician practitioners perform or assist with reportable services under applicable payor rules |
LT | Left side | To identify the left breast when laterality is reportable |
RT | Right side | To identify the right breast when laterality is reportable |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 207RX0400X | Diagnostic Radiology | Radiologists commonly perform image-guided breast localization |
| 207RN0300X | Interventional Radiology | Interventional radiologists perform percutaneous localization and seed/wire placements |
| 207K00000X | Surgery | Breast surgeons coordinate localization with subsequent operative excision |
| 2080P0220X | Physician Assistant | PAs in radiology or surgery may assist with the procedure |
| 363LP0800X | Registered Nurse | Peri-procedural nursing staff support patient care and positioning |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
N63 | Unspecified lump in breast | Common indication for image-guided localization and biopsy |
R92.8 | Other abnormal and inconclusive findings on diagnostic imaging of breast | Imaging abnormality prompting localization and marker placement |
D05.1 | Lobular carcinoma in situ of breast | Lesions requiring localization for correlation or excision |
D05.9 | Carcinoma in situ of breast, unspecified | Preinvasive disease often localized prior to surgery |
C50.911 | Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of right female breast | Malignant lesion requiring localization before operative excision |
C50.912 | Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of left female breast | Malignant lesion requiring localization before operative excision |
R92.0 | Mammographic microcalcifications | Microcalcifications often require stereotactic localization and marker placement |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
19081 | Placement of needle-localizable tumor marker by percutaneous placement under imaging guidance (eg, clip); first lesion | Often reported when an initial localization/marker is placed at the primary lesion; 19282 is an add-on for the second device placed at the same session |
19100 | Biopsy of breast, superficial (eg, needle or incisional) | Biopsy of the localized lesion may be performed before or after marker placement as part of diagnostic workup |
19301 | Partial mastectomy, lumpectomy | Surgical excision frequently follows image-guided localization for definitive removal of the marked lesion |
76942 | Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement | If ultrasound rather than mammographic guidance is used for localization or biopsy, this guidance code may apply (note 19282 specifically references mammographic guidance) |
76098 | Radiologic guidance for placement of localization device (eg, needle localization), mammographic | Other mammographic localization codes used for initial localization procedures; 19282 is billed as an add-on when a second device is placed |