Summary & Overview
CPT 77062: Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, Bilateral, Diagnostic
CPT code 77062 represents bilateral digital breast tomosynthesis performed for diagnostic evaluation. DBT acquires very thin, layer-by-layer images of the breast using digital mammography to enhance lesion conspicuity and reduce tissue overlap. Nationally, this imaging modality plays an increasing role in diagnostic workups for breast symptoms and abnormal screening findings because of improved detection and characterization compared with conventional two-dimensional mammography.
Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for DBT, common billing considerations, and which payers typically cover diagnostic tomosynthesis. The publication also summarizes available benchmarks and payer policy trends where present, highlights coding considerations specific to CPT code 77062, and outlines typical sites of service for the procedure.
This summary is intended for a national audience of providers, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a clear, practical reference to CPT code 77062—what the code denotes, why it matters in diagnostic breast imaging, and what to expect from payer coverage and policy direction.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 77062 describes digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) of both breasts for diagnostic purposes. The procedure acquires multiple thin-slice images of breast tissue using digital mammography technology to isolate layers of tissue and improve visualization of breast structures.
Service Type: Diagnostic breast imaging (digital tomosynthesis/mammography)
Typical Site of Service: Outpatient imaging centers or hospital outpatient radiology departments
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a woman presenting to an outpatient radiology clinic or hospital imaging suite for diagnostic breast imaging after an abnormal screening mammogram, a palpable breast lump, focal breast pain, or focal skin/nipple changes. The workflow begins with nurse intake and focused history (symptom onset, prior breast surgery, implants, prior imaging), followed by technologist positioning for bilateral diagnostic digital tomosynthesis (77062). The technologist acquires thin-layer images of both breasts to improve lesion conspicuity and reduce tissue overlap. Images are processed and reviewed by a radiologist, who may request targeted spot compression, magnification views, or ultrasound correlation. If the tomosynthesis identifies a suspicious mass or calcifications, the next steps in the workflow commonly include diagnostic 77063 magnification or supplemental breast ultrasound, image-guided biopsy coordination, and final radiology reporting. Typical sites of service are outpatient radiology centers, breast imaging centers, and hospital outpatient departments. Patient scenario example: a 52-year-old woman with a new focal abnormality on screening mammography returned for diagnostic bilateral digital breast tomosynthesis to characterize a 1.2 cm spiculated density detected on prior images, enabling improved lesion localization and planning for potential ultrasound or biopsy.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
25 |