CPT® Code 10035 Details

Quarter Info

Q4 2017

Code Symbols

No data Available.

Code Descriptor

Placement of soft tissue localization device(s) (eg, clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, radioactive seeds), percutaneous,
including imaging guidance; first lesion

Illustration

No data Available.

CPT® Lay Terms

The provider places a tiny metallic or radioactive device into the patient’s body through a needle he inserts through
the patient’s skin in order to mark the exact location of suspicious tissue for a subsequent surgical procedure or
radiation treatment. He uses fluoroscopy, a live X–ray that projects on a display screen, or ultrasound imaging to guide
the needle to the right location.

Clinical Responsibility

When the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized, the provider uses image guidance to view the exact
location of the lesion in the affected soft tissue. The provider then uses a needle introducer to place the localization
device through the skin to the target tissue. After placing the device, the provider uses image guidance to ensure the
correct position of the device, closes the site, and applies a bandage.

Terminology

Image guidance: Use of fluoroscopy, a live X–ray where the X–ray image appears on a television monitor; ultrasound,
high frequency sound waves to view tissues; or other forms of imaging during surgical procedures.

Radioactive seeds: Small pellets or seeds that emit radiation for the treatment of cancerous cells when placed inside or
adjacent to the affected area.

Tips

This code is for the initial placement of a localization device for the first lesion; for each additional device placed, use
+10036, Placement of soft tissue localization devices, e.g., clip, metallic pellet, wire/needle, radioactive seeds,

CPT CODE 10035 Details CPT © 2016 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
 percutaneous, including imaging guidance; each additional lesion. List separately in addition to code for primary
procedure, for placement of each additional device.

®
CPT Guidelines

Range Specific Guideline

Soft tissue-marker placement with imaging guidance is reported with 10035 and 10036. If a more specific site
descriptor than soft tissue is applicable (eg, breast), use the site-specific codes for marker placement at that site.
Report 10035 and 10036 only once per target, regardless of how many markers (eg, clips, wires, pellets, radioactive
seeds) are used to mark that target.

CPT CODE 10035 Details CPT © 2016 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.