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CPT 77053: Radiological Supervision & Interpretation of Ductogram, Single Duct

Headline: CPT code 77053: Radiological Supervision and Interpretation of a Ductogram for a Single Duct

Lead: CPT code 77053 covers the radiological supervision and interpretation of a ductogram (galactogram) performed on a single breast duct to evaluate nipple discharge and related intraductal abnormalities. This targeted diagnostic imaging procedure fills a specific clinical need in breast care by providing detailed ductal visualization that can distinguish ductal ectasia, intraductal papillomas, fibrocystic change, and suspicious intraductal lesions.

Why it matters: Nationally, ductography remains an important adjunct in the diagnostic pathway for patients with pathologic nipple discharge. Accurate coding of CPT code 77053 ensures clear documentation of the interpreting physician’s professional service for single-duct ductography and supports appropriate claims processing across major payers.

Payers covered: The analysis addresses coverage considerations for Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.

What readers will learn: This publication explains the clinical context and service delivery settings for CPT code 77053, summarizes typical sites of service, and outlines which payers are included in the coverage review. It provides benchmarks and policy-oriented observations relevant to billing and claims processing for single-duct ductography, and highlights areas where policy clarifications or documentation specificity commonly affect reimbursement outcomes.

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Billing Code Overview

CPT code 77053 describes the radiological supervision and interpretation of a ductogram (galactogram) for a single duct. A ductogram is an imaging procedure used to evaluate the breast ductal system and is particularly useful for investigating nipple discharge and suspected intraductal pathology.

Service type: Radiology — Diagnostic Imaging, Fluoroscopic Breast Ductography

Typical site of service: Outpatient radiology suite, hospital imaging department, or breast imaging center

Data not available in the input.

Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers

CPT 77053: Radiological Supervision & Interpretation of Ductogram, Single Duct

Headline: CPT code 77053: Radiological Supervision and Interpretation of a Ductogram for a Single Duct

Payers covered: The analysis addresses coverage considerations for Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for cpt 77053 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 77053 are released or updated.

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Billing Code Overview

Service type: Radiology — Diagnostic Imaging, Fluoroscopic Breast Ductography

Typical site of service: Outpatient radiology suite, hospital imaging department, or breast imaging center

Data not available in the input.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 45-year-old woman presents to a breast specialty clinic with persistent unilateral bloody nipple discharge from a single duct for 3 weeks. History and clinical breast exam localize the discharge to a single ductal orifice without a palpable mass. The breast surgeon orders image-guided evaluation. In the radiology suite the patient undergoes a ductogram/galactogram: under sterile technique a lacrimal probe or cannula is inserted into the involved ductal orifice, contrast is gently instilled, and targeted mammographic views are obtained. The procedural workflow includes informed consent, duct cannulation by the breast surgeon or trained proceduralist, mammographic image acquisition by the radiology technologist, and radiological supervision and interpretation by a board-certified diagnostic radiologist. Images are reviewed for ductal filling defects, intraductal masses such as papillomas, ductal ectasia, or signs suspicious for malignancy. Results guide next steps such as targeted ultrasound, duct excision (microdochectomy), core biopsy, or close imaging follow-up. Typical site of service is an outpatient radiology department or breast center; the imaging component is reported by the radiologist using 77053 for a single duct.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component	When reporting only the radiologists interpretation/supervision separate from the technical imaging costs
`TC`	Technical component	When billing only the technical component (equipment/technologist) of the exam
`59`	Distinct procedural service	When another separately identifiable procedure or service was performed on the same day and is not bundled
`52`	Reduced services	When the ductogram was partially reduced in scope compared with the full service (e.g., incomplete contrast study)
`53`	Discontinued procedure	If the procedure was started but terminated due to patient intolerance or other unforeseen circumstance
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician	When the same provider repeats the ductogram on the same day (use `76` only if applicable)
`77`	Repeat procedure by another physician	When a different provider repeats the procedure on the same day
`59`	Distinct procedural service	When the ductogram is separate and distinct from another procedure performed the same day (note: some payors prefer RT/LT or modifier `XE`/`XS`—use payor rules)
`RT`	Right side	When the procedure is performed on the right breast
`LT`	Left side	When the procedure is performed on the left breast
`50`	Bilateral procedure	When both breasts are studied and payer requires bilateral modifier (rare for single-duct code)

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207RH0000X	Diagnostic Radiology	Radiologists perform interpretation and supervision of the ductogram
207RP1001X	Radiologist — Breast Imaging	Specialized reading and procedural oversight for breast ductography
2080P0208X	General Surgery	Breast surgeons commonly perform duct cannulation and clinical correlation
207VH0002X	Vascular & Interventional Radiology	In some centers interventionalists perform image-guided duct access and procedures
363L00000X	Obstetrics & Gynecology	OB/GYNs with breast specialty experience may be involved in initial clinical evaluation

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`N64.4`	Galactorrhea not associated with childbirth	Presents with abnormal nipple discharge; ductogram can evaluate ductal pathology
`N64.5`	Other specified disorders of breast	Used when a specific benign breast duct disorder is suspected and ductography is indicated
`N64.89`	Other specified disorders of breast	Captures ductal ectasia or non-specific disorders prompting ductogram evaluation
`R31.0`	Hematuria (not relevant)	Data not applicable — Data not available in the input.
`C50.919`	Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of right female breast	Suspicion for intraductal carcinoma may prompt ductography as part of evaluation
`R92.8`	Other abnormal and inconclusive findings on diagnostic imaging of breast	Imaging abnormality leading to targeted ductal evaluation

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`77052`	Mammography, diagnostic bilateral (two-view study of each breast)	Often performed before or after a ductogram to evaluate parenchymal abnormalities and guide localization
`77051`	Mammography, diagnostic unilateral (two-view study)	May be obtained to localize a lesion in the symptomatic breast prior to duct cannulation
`76098`	Radiologic examination, breast, ductogram/galactogram, including cannulation when performed (technical component only)	Technical component often billed by the facility or technologist in conjunction with the radiologist's `77053` interpretation
`19120`	Excision of breast lesion; open, wide or local excision	Surgical procedure (e.g., microdochectomy) that may follow a ductogram if a suspicious intraductal lesion is identified
`19083`	Biopsy, breast, with placement of radiologic marker, percutaneous, with imaging guidance	Image-guided core biopsy that may be performed after ductogram demonstrates an intraductal mass
`76942`	Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement	Ultrasound guidance commonly used for targeted biopsy or drainage following imaging findings on ductogram

CPT 77046: Breast MRI, Non-Contrast, Single Breast

CPT-77047-BREAST-MRI-NON-CONTRAST-BILATERAL

CPT 77047: Bilateral Breast MRI, Non-Contrast

CPT-77048-BREAST-MRI-SINGLE-BREAST-CONTRAST-3D

CPT 77048: Breast MRI (single breast), Contrast-Enhanced 3D

CPT-77049-BREAST-MRI-WITH-AND-WITHOUT-CONTRAST-BILATERAL

CPT 77049: Bilateral Breast MRI with and without Contrast

CPT-77054-DUCTOGRAM-GALACTOGRAM-MULTIPLE-DUCTS-RADIOLOGICAL-INTERPRETATION

CPT 77054: Ductogram (Galactogram) Radiological Supervision and Interpretation

CPT-77061-DIGITAL-TOMOSYNTHESIS-ONE-BREAST-DIAGNOSTIC

CPT 77061: Digital Tomosynthesis of One Breast, Diagnostic

CPT-77062-DIGITAL-BREAST-TOMOSYNTHESIS-BILATERAL-DIAGNOSTIC

CPT 77062: Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, Bilateral, Diagnostic

CPT-77063-DIGITAL-BREAST-TOMOSYNTHESIS-3D-MAMMOGRAPHY

CPT 77063: Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography)

CPT-77065-DIAGNOSTIC-BREAST-IMAGING-COMPUTER-AIDED-DETECTION

CPT 77065: Diagnostic X-ray Imaging of One Breast with Computer Analysis

CPT-77066-DIAGNOSTIC-BILATERAL-MAMMOGRAPHY-WITH-CAD

CPT 77066: Diagnostic Bilateral Mammography with Computer‑Aided Detection

Showing 1–10 of 11

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component	When reporting only the radiologists interpretation/supervision separate from the technical imaging costs
`TC`	Technical component	When billing only the technical component (equipment/technologist) of the exam
`59`	Distinct procedural service	When another separately identifiable procedure or service was performed on the same day and is not bundled
`52`	Reduced services	When the ductogram was partially reduced in scope compared with the full service (e.g., incomplete contrast study)
`53`	Discontinued procedure	If the procedure was started but terminated due to patient intolerance or other unforeseen circumstance
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician	When the same provider repeats the ductogram on the same day (use `76` only if applicable)
`77`	Repeat procedure by another physician	When a different provider repeats the procedure on the same day
`59`	Distinct procedural service	When the ductogram is separate and distinct from another procedure performed the same day (note: some payors prefer RT/LT or modifier `XE`/`XS`—use payor rules)
`RT`	Right side	When the procedure is performed on the right breast
`LT`	Left side	When the procedure is performed on the left breast
`50`	Bilateral procedure	When both breasts are studied and payer requires bilateral modifier (rare for single-duct code)

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207RH0000X	Diagnostic Radiology	Radiologists perform interpretation and supervision of the ductogram
207RP1001X	Radiologist — Breast Imaging	Specialized reading and procedural oversight for breast ductography
2080P0208X	General Surgery	Breast surgeons commonly perform duct cannulation and clinical correlation
207VH0002X	Vascular & Interventional Radiology	In some centers interventionalists perform image-guided duct access and procedures
363L00000X	Obstetrics & Gynecology	OB/GYNs with breast specialty experience may be involved in initial clinical evaluation

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`N64.4`	Galactorrhea not associated with childbirth	Presents with abnormal nipple discharge; ductogram can evaluate ductal pathology
`N64.5`	Other specified disorders of breast	Used when a specific benign breast duct disorder is suspected and ductography is indicated
`N64.89`	Other specified disorders of breast	Captures ductal ectasia or non-specific disorders prompting ductogram evaluation
`R31.0`	Hematuria (not relevant)	Data not applicable — Data not available in the input.
`C50.919`	Malignant neoplasm of unspecified site of right female breast	Suspicion for intraductal carcinoma may prompt ductography as part of evaluation
`R92.8`	Other abnormal and inconclusive findings on diagnostic imaging of breast	Imaging abnormality leading to targeted ductal evaluation

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`77052`	Mammography, diagnostic bilateral (two-view study of each breast)	Often performed before or after a ductogram to evaluate parenchymal abnormalities and guide localization
`77051`	Mammography, diagnostic unilateral (two-view study)	May be obtained to localize a lesion in the symptomatic breast prior to duct cannulation
`76098`	Radiologic examination, breast, ductogram/galactogram, including cannulation when performed (technical component only)	Technical component often billed by the facility or technologist in conjunction with the radiologist's `77053` interpretation
`19120`	Excision of breast lesion; open, wide or local excision	Surgical procedure (e.g., microdochectomy) that may follow a ductogram if a suspicious intraductal lesion is identified
`19083`	Biopsy, breast, with placement of radiologic marker, percutaneous, with imaging guidance	Image-guided core biopsy that may be performed after ductogram demonstrates an intraductal mass
`76942`	Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement	Ultrasound guidance commonly used for targeted biopsy or drainage following imaging findings on ductogram

CPT 77046: Breast MRI, Non-Contrast, Single Breast

CPT-77047-BREAST-MRI-NON-CONTRAST-BILATERAL

CPT 77047: Bilateral Breast MRI, Non-Contrast

CPT-77048-BREAST-MRI-SINGLE-BREAST-CONTRAST-3D

CPT 77048: Breast MRI (single breast), Contrast-Enhanced 3D

CPT-77049-BREAST-MRI-WITH-AND-WITHOUT-CONTRAST-BILATERAL

CPT 77049: Bilateral Breast MRI with and without Contrast

CPT-77054-DUCTOGRAM-GALACTOGRAM-MULTIPLE-DUCTS-RADIOLOGICAL-INTERPRETATION

CPT 77054: Ductogram (Galactogram) Radiological Supervision and Interpretation

CPT-77061-DIGITAL-TOMOSYNTHESIS-ONE-BREAST-DIAGNOSTIC

CPT 77061: Digital Tomosynthesis of One Breast, Diagnostic

CPT-77062-DIGITAL-BREAST-TOMOSYNTHESIS-BILATERAL-DIAGNOSTIC

CPT 77062: Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, Bilateral, Diagnostic

CPT-77063-DIGITAL-BREAST-TOMOSYNTHESIS-3D-MAMMOGRAPHY

CPT 77063: Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography)

CPT-77065-DIAGNOSTIC-BREAST-IMAGING-COMPUTER-AIDED-DETECTION

CPT 77065: Diagnostic X-ray Imaging of One Breast with Computer Analysis

CPT-77066-DIAGNOSTIC-BILATERAL-MAMMOGRAPHY-WITH-CAD

CPT 77066: Diagnostic Bilateral Mammography with Computer‑Aided Detection

Showing 1–10 of 11

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

OpenPayer

CPT 77053: Radiological Supervision & Interpretation of Ductogram, Single Duct

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Billing Code Overview

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OpenPayer

CPT 77053: Radiological Supervision & Interpretation of Ductogram, Single Duct

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Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References