Bx breast add lesion strtctc

CPT 19082 covers additional breast lesion biopsies performed using stereotactic (3D X-ray) guidance during the same session as the primary biopsy. This is an add-on code used when the physician takes samples from more than one suspicious area in the breast.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$358.40

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

1.65

PE RVU (NF)

9.27

MP RVU

0.16

Total RVU

11.08

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Always bill 19082 with the appropriate primary stereotactic biopsy code (19081 for first lesion). CPT 19082 is an add-on code (+) and will be denied if billed without a primary procedure code from the same code family.
Impact: Prevents 100% denial; ensures baseline payment of $358.40 (non-facility) or $77.96 (facility) per additional lesion
Bill one unit of 19082 for each additional lesion beyond the first, not for each additional sample from the same lesion. Documentation must clearly identify each distinct lesion with separate imaging coordinates and anatomic locations.
Impact: Overcoding multiple units for samples from one lesion can trigger audits and result in overpayment recoupment of $358.40 per incorrectly billed unit
Append RT/LT modifiers to both the primary code (19081) and each unit of 19082 when bilateral biopsies are performed. Some payers require modifier 50 instead; verify payer-specific requirements before submission.
Impact: Failure to indicate laterality results in denial or downcoding to unilateral payment, potentially losing 50% of reimbursement
Verify that stereotactic guidance is documented separately from the biopsy procedure itself. The operative report must describe the stereotactic targeting process for each additional lesion, including coordinate calculations and imaging confirmation.
Impact: Inadequate stereotactic documentation may result in downcoding to non-image-guided biopsy codes, reducing payment by approximately $280 per lesion
Do not bill 19082 with ultrasound-guided (19083) or MRI-guided (19084) add-on codes in the same session. Each imaging modality has distinct add-on codes; mixing modalities requires separate documentation and appropriate code selection.
Impact: Prevents NCCI bundling edits and denials; ensures proper payment based on actual imaging modality used

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Frequently asked questions

What is the CPT code 19082 used for?

CPT 19082 is an add-on code used to report each additional breast lesion biopsied using stereotactic (X-ray) guidance beyond the first lesion during the same operative session. It must be billed with primary code 19081, which covers the first lesion biopsy.

How much does Medicare pay for CPT code 19082 in 2025?

Medicare pays $358.40 for CPT 19082 when performed in a non-facility setting (office/freestanding imaging center) and $77.96 when performed in a facility setting (hospital outpatient department). The difference reflects that the facility receives separate technical payment.

Can CPT 19082 be billed alone?

No, CPT 19082 is an add-on code (indicated by the + symbol in CPT) and cannot be billed alone. It must always be reported with the primary stereotactic breast biopsy code 19081, which represents the first lesion biopsied.

How many times can you bill CPT 19082 on the same date of service?

You can bill CPT 19082 multiple times (multiple units) on the same date if multiple additional lesions beyond the first are biopsied. For example, if three distinct lesions are biopsied, bill 19081 once and 19082 twice. Each unit requires documentation of a separate, distinct lesion with unique anatomic location.

What is the difference between CPT 19082 and 19083?

CPT 19082 is for additional breast lesion biopsies using stereotactic (X-ray/mammographic) guidance, while CPT 19083 is for additional lesions biopsied using ultrasound guidance. The codes differ based on the imaging modality used to target the lesion, not the biopsy technique itself.

What modifiers should be used with CPT 19082?

Common modifiers for 19082 include RT/LT for laterality (right/left breast), modifier 59 or XS for distinct procedural service when addressing separate anatomic sites, and modifier 76 for repeat procedures by the same physician. Laterality modifiers are particularly important for bilateral biopsies and are required by most payers.

Does CPT 19082 include the pathology interpretation?

No, CPT 19082 covers only the surgical procedure of obtaining the additional tissue sample and the stereotactic imaging guidance. Pathology interpretation is billed separately using pathology CPT codes (typically 88305 for breast biopsy specimens, billed by the pathologist).