Ask Dr. Z

Can you please clarify if we should use 19285 or an unlisted code for an ultrasound guided needle localization of right axillary lymph node? CLINICAL HISTORY: Patient is seen for an ultrasound guided Pintuition Seed localization of a malignancy and tissue marker in right axilla. FINDINGS: The patient was positioned on ultrasound table and the right axilla was prepped and draped in the usual sterile manner. High resolution real time ultrasound imaging was performed. The malignancy and tissue marker to be localized was identified in the axilla. Ten (10) cc of 1% lidocaine was utilized for local anesthesia. The localizing needle was inserted and the needle tip was advanced through the lesion using real time ultrasound guidance. A Pintuition Seed was then deployed through the needle and the localizing needle was removed. A post localization mammogram was performed confirming accurate localization of the lesion. CONCLUSION: Successful ultrasound guided Pintuition Seed localization of a malignancy and tissue marker in the right axilla.