Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Practice Test

What is the correct code for a bilateral radical mastectomy including the pectoral muscles and axillary lymph nodes?

1. 19305-50, 174.2

2. 19306-50, 174.1

3. 19260-50, 174.9

4. 19315-50, 176.2

The correct answer is: 19305-50, 174.2

For a bilateral radical mastectomy that includes the pectoral muscles and axillary lymph nodes, the appropriate code is 19305, which specifically describes the procedure of radical mastectomy. The "-50" modifier indicates that the procedure is being performed bilaterally, which is relevant when coding surgical procedures for both sides of the body. The accompanying diagnosis code, 174.2, refers to "Malignant neoplasm of the lower-inner quadrant of the breast," aligning with the findings that would necessitate such an extensive surgical intervention. This combination of procedure and diagnosis accurately describes a case where the surgeon performs a radical mastectomy on both breasts, addressing the complexity of the surgery and its justification based on the diagnosis. In this context, the other options reference different codes and modifiers that do not accurately represent the procedure described, either due to focusing on different types of mastectomies or coding errors that fail to match the required bilateral designation or the precise diagnosis involved.