In simple words: Using an MRI scan to guide the procedure, a small sample of tissue is removed from a suspicious area in the breast through a small needle. A tiny marker may be left at the biopsied site. The sample is then examined for abnormalities.

This code describes a percutaneous breast biopsy performed under magnetic resonance (MR) guidance. It includes the placement of localization device(s), such as a clip or metallic pellet, at the biopsy site, if performed. It also encompasses imaging of the removed biopsy specimen using MR guidance to confirm its location and suitability, if performed. This code is reported only for the first lesion biopsied during the procedure.

Example 1: A patient presents with a suspicious breast lesion detected on MRI. The radiologist performs a percutaneous biopsy under MR guidance, obtaining tissue samples for diagnosis. A localization clip is placed to mark the biopsied site. The specimen is imaged to confirm its retrieval., A patient with a history of breast cancer has a new area of concern identified on MRI. A percutaneous biopsy is performed using MR guidance, and the specimen undergoes imaging to assess it before sending to pathology. No localization device is placed in this case., A patient has several suspicious breast lesions visualized on an MRI. The physician performs MR-guided percutaneous biopsies on two lesions. Code 19085 is reported for the first lesion, while add-on code 19086 is reported for the second lesion.

Documentation should include the pre-procedure imaging results (MRI), indication for the biopsy, type of localization device used (if any), number of lesions biopsied, confirmation of specimen retrieval via imaging, and post-biopsy care instructions.