2025 CPT code 77012
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Radiology - Radiologic Guidance Feed
Computed tomography guidance for needle placement (e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device), radiological supervision and interpretation.
Modifiers 26 (Professional Component) and TC (Technical Component) may be applicable. Modifier 59 may be used to indicate a distinct procedural service.
Medical necessity is established by the underlying condition requiring the biopsy, aspiration, injection, or localization device placement. The use of CT guidance should be justified as medically necessary for accurate and safe needle placement.
The physician is responsible for supervising and interpreting the CT images to guide the needle placement during the procedure.They must ensure accurate needle placement for biopsies, aspirations, injections, or placement of localization devices.
In simple words: This procedure involves using a CT scan to guide a needle into a specific area of the body for procedures like biopsies or injections. The doctor uses the CT scan images to make sure the needle goes to the right place. This code covers the use of the CT scanner and the doctor's expertise in reading the images, not the actual biopsy or injection.
This code represents the radiological supervision and interpretation of CT guidance for needle placement procedures such as biopsies, aspirations, injections, and localization device placement.The physician uses CT imaging to guide the needle to the precise location, ensuring accuracy and safety. This code only covers the imaging guidance, not the procedure itself.
Example 1: A patient with a suspicious lung nodule requires a CT-guided needle biopsy.Code 77012 is reported for the radiologist's supervision and interpretation of the CT images used to guide the needle into the nodule for tissue sampling., A patient with a liver lesion needs a CT-guided aspiration. Code 77012 is reported for the radiologist's supervision and interpretation of the CT images used to guide the needle into the lesion for fluid drainage., A patient requires a CT-guided injection of pain medication into the spine. Code 77012 is used for the radiologist's supervision and interpretation of the CT images to ensure proper needle placement adjacent to the spine.
Documentation should include the reason for the procedure, the location of the needle placement, the type of needle used, and the results of the procedure.The radiologist's interpretation of the CT images should also be documented, including the precise location of the needle and any complications encountered.
- Revenue Code: I1A - STANDARD IMAGING - CHEST
- Modifier TC rule: Yes. Modifier TC is applicable when only the technical component is reported.
- Specialties:Radiology, Interventional Radiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, and other places of service where CT scanners are available.