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CPT 10005 vs 10160 vs 20206

Date: Oct 3, 2022

Question:

Site: Left face cystic-appearing collection of material in the vicinity of the mandible.

Needle: 20 gauge and 18 gauge needles.

Samples: 2 passes.

Specimen: Approximately 10 mL of thick whitish fluid.

Specimens were sent both for cytology as well as microbiology.

Impression: Ultrasound-guided aspiration of a cystic mass-like collection of material in the left face near the mandible. Aspirated fluid was sent for cytologic and microbiologic analysis

Non-GYN Diagnosis - Result:

A. Left facial mass, fine needle aspiration:

- Atypical squamous cells and numerous acute inflammatory cells present.

There is hesitation to report FNA code 10005 for this, as a fine needle wasn't used and therefore CPT 10160 is suggested; however, this isn't an aspiration of an abscess, hematoma, bulla, or cyst. Should it be reported with code 20206 when it's not collected with a fine size needle?

Question ID : 17859
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