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    OpenPayerBilling CodesOther Procedures on the BreastCPT cpt-19499-unlisted-breast-procedure
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    CPT 19499: Unlisted Procedure on the Breast

    CPT code 19499 is an unlisted procedure on the breast used to report a breast surgical procedure for which there is no specific CPT code; it represents miscellaneous or novel operative interventions on the breast and is billed as a breast surgical procedure typically performed in an operating room or ambulatory surgical center under surgical service.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Removal of Implantable, Outpatient Surgical Procedures - Site of Service, Surgical Procedures.

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    Table of contents

    Progress1 / 6

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is a 48-year-old female presenting with a complex breast lesion that does not match an existing CPT-specific procedure. She has a symptomatic, atypical mass discovered on diagnostic mammography and ultrasound, with prior inconclusive core needle biopsy. After multidisciplinary review, the surgical team schedules a targeted breast procedure that is atypical in technique or extent (for example, an uncommon excisional approach, combined reconstructive step, or novel image-guided removal) and is therefore reported with 19499. The typical workflow includes preoperative imaging and localization (if needed), informed consent detailing the atypical nature of the procedure, intraoperative documentation of the unique technique or combined services, and postoperative pathology and follow-up. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department. The service type is an unlisted breast surgical procedure used when no specific code accurately describes the operative service.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    19000Puncture aspiration of breast cyst, single or multiple, without imaging guidance; simple aspirationMay be performed during diagnostic workup prior to an unlisted excisional or novel procedure when cystic components are present.
    19001Puncture aspiration of breast cyst, with imaging guidance; single or multipleImage-guided aspiration often precedes or accompanies atypical breast procedures and may be billed separately when applicable.
    19120Excision of cyst, fibroadenoma, or other benign or malignant tumor, open, of breast; single lesionStandard excisional code; when the procedure does not fit 19120 due to technique or extent, 19499 is used instead.
    19301Partial mastectomy (lumpectomy), single lesion, including simple closureCommon oncologic breast-conserving procedure; a novel or combined technique not described by 19301 may be reported with 19499.
    19318Reduction mammaplastyPerformed when additional reconstructive or reduction maneuvers are combined with an excision and the combined service lacks a specific code.
    15777Implantation of biologic implant (eg, ADM) for soft tissue reinforcement (breast)May be performed contemporaneously for reconstruction; if combination is atypical and no specific code exists, 19499 can capture the unlisted breast component.

    Related Modifiers

    11 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…
    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…
    51Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
    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…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    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…
    77Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…
    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…

    Showing 1–10 of 11

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    208000000X
    208600000X
    207W00000X
    363L00000X
    207X00000X
    146M00000X
    344600000X
    2278H0200X

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: General Surgery1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Removal of ImplantableBlue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island2026-10-01
    Outpatient Surgical Procedures - Site of ServiceUnitedHealthcare2026-09-01
    Surgical ProceduresUnitedHealthcare2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) Select — Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures in AdultsPremera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Select — Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures in AdultsPremera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) SelectPremera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Select — Site of Service for Ambulatory Surgical Procedures (ASC Select)Premera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) SelectPremera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Medical Necessity Guidelines Inpatient Surgical CareMass General Brigham Health Plan2026-08-01
    Outpatient Surgical Procedures - Site of Servicesierra health and life2026-08-01

    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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