19120 Removal of breast lesion
Also known as: breast lesion removal, breast excision, lumpectomy, breast biopsy open, open breast biopsy, excisional breast biopsy, breast lesion excision
Excision of breast lesion or mass including local or circumscribed excision with clear margins for pathological evaluation.
In Plain Language
Surgical removal of breast lump
Clinical Context
Performed for diagnosis or treatment of breast masses. Includes benign lesions and small malignancies. Complete excision with margins obtained.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.77 |
| Total RVU | 5.77 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 5.77, this code ranks in the 38th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 19120?
CPT 19120 (Removal of breast lesion) is a Surgery code. Excision of breast lesion or mass including local or circumscribed excision with clear margins for pathological evaluation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 19120?
The work RVU for CPT 19120 is 5.77. This code is primarily used by Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Surgical Oncology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 19120 used?
Performed for diagnosis or treatment of breast masses. Includes benign lesions and small malignancies. Complete excision with margins obtained.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.