Headline: CPT code 19287 defines MRI-guided placement of a device to localize a breast lesion. Lead: CPT code 19287 is used for magnetic resonance image guidance to place a localization device — such as a clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, or radioactive seed — for the first breast lesion. It is a key radiology procedure that supports targeted surgical planning and treatment.

CPT code 19287 represents image-guided breast lesion localization performed under MRI. The code matters nationally because MRI-guided localization is used when lesions are only visible with MRI or when other imaging modalities are insufficient, influencing surgical accuracy and care pathways. The procedure typically occurs in outpatient radiology suites or hospital outpatient breast imaging centers.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a national perspective on the clinical context of MRI-guided localization, expected sites of service, and typical service characteristics. The publication provides benchmarks and coding context, highlights common modifiers used with this service, and explains how CPT code 19287 fits into breast imaging and preoperative localization workflows.

This summary is intended to orient clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts to the code’s purpose, clinical role, and payer relevance at a national level.