Which CPT code was used for a percutaneous muscle biopsy?

Which CPT code was used for a percutaneous muscle biopsy?

• A. 20205
• B. 20208
• C. 20201
• D. 20206

Answer: (D)

Key idea: CPT coding for biopsy procedures depends on the exact approach and whether imaging guidance is used. For a percutaneous muscle biopsy without imaging guidance, the appropriate code is the one that specifies “biopsy, muscle, percutaneous” without any imaging guidance. That is why this code fits best. If imaging guidance were used, you’d select a code that includes that guidance in its descriptor; otherwise, choose the percutaneous muscle biopsy code without imaging. The other codes in the list describe different scenarios (such as imaging-assisted procedures or biopsies of other tissues), so they don’t match a straightforward percutaneous muscle biopsy.

Key idea: CPT coding for biopsy procedures depends on the exact approach and whether imaging guidance is used. For a percutaneous muscle biopsy without imaging guidance, the appropriate code is the one that specifies “biopsy, muscle, percutaneous” without any imaging guidance. That is why this code fits best. If imaging guidance were used, you’d select a code that includes that guidance in its descriptor; otherwise, choose the percutaneous muscle biopsy code without imaging. The other codes in the list describe different scenarios (such as imaging-assisted procedures or biopsies of other tissues), so they don’t match a straightforward percutaneous muscle biopsy.