19298 Place breast radiation tube/caths
Also known as: open breast brachytherapy, surgical catheter placement
Open surgical placement of radioactive catheters or tubes into the breast for brachytherapy delivery. This involves surgical exploration and direct visualization for catheter insertion.
In Plain Language
surgically placing radiation tubes in the breast
Clinical Context
Used for open surgical placement of brachytherapy catheters when percutaneous approach is not feasible. May be performed at time of lumpectomy or as staged procedure.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.61 |
| Total RVU | 5.61 |
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 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 5.61, this code ranks in the 37th 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 19298?
CPT 19298 (Place breast radiation tube/caths) is a Surgery code. Open surgical placement of radioactive catheters or tubes into the breast for brachytherapy delivery. This involves surgical exploration and direct visualization for catheter insertion.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 19298?
The work RVU for CPT 19298 is 5.61. This code is primarily used by Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Breast Surgery.
When is CPT 19298 used?
Used for open surgical placement of brachytherapy catheters when percutaneous approach is not feasible. May be performed at time of lumpectomy or as staged procedure.
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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.