Ask Dr. Z

We are unsure how to code this IR biopsy. Radiology wants 10005, auditing wants 20206, and coder wants 64795, maybe unlisted? What in your expert opinion would be an appropriate surgical CPT for this? "PROCEDURE: Ultrasound-guided core biopsy of left upper extremity solid nodule. PRE/postOP DX: Indeterminate nodule. Limited preliminary ultrasound was performed for procedural planning, demonstrating a 1.9 x 1.67 cm solid nodule in the musculature of the left upper extremity with internal flow. Left UE prepped and draped. 1% lidocaine administered under direct ultrasound guidance three 18 gauge core biopsies were obtained and sent for pathologic analysis. Pressure was held at the biopsy site and hemostasis was obtained. Path: TISSUES: A. Left arm; B. Flow cytometry. Left UE triceps lesion. Soft tissue, left UE nodule, core biopsy - Benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor, favor schwannoma."