Ask Dr. Z

Please do NOT include any actual patient medical records with your question. Our physician performed a CT guided core bone biopsy of a right tibia mass. Following the biopsy a 17 gauge cryoablation probe was inserted into the mass. Limited CT images were obtained at 2 minute and 6 minute intervals to evaluate the progression of the ice ball. These demonstrated circumferential coverage of the mass. Following removal of the cryoablation probe, limited CT was performed revealing hypodensity within the region of the mass consistent with the ice ball. Sterile dressing was applied. How would you code the cryoablation portion of this procedure? Would you use 20999 or 20982? Thank you.