What is the difference between Z12 31 and Z12 39?

Asked by: Heath Wilkinson  |  Last update: April 2, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (52 votes)

The Z12. 31 is specific to screening mammograms and the Z12. 39 is any screening of the breast other than mammograms.

What is diagnosis code Z12 39?

ICD-10-CM Code for Encounter for other screening for malignant neoplasm of breast Z12. 39.

When to use Z12-31?

For instance, the code Z12. 31 is specifically used for encounters for screening mammography for malignant neoplasm of the breast.

What is the difference between a bilateral mammogram and a regular mammogram?

While bilateral mammograms take one image from the top and one image from the side, 3D mammography takes many. A 3D mammogram machine moves in an arc to take multiple low-dose x-rays of the breast from different angles.

What is the difference between a complete and limited breast ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are ordered by doctors as “limited” or “complete.” Complete images are images of the entire breast, areola, and all four quadrants. Limited is a specific area of the breast. “Unilateral” ultrasounds are ultrasounds done to one breast only, and “bilateral” ultrasounds are done to both.

The Difference Between a Mammogram, Ultrasound, & MRI

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What is the best ultrasound for dense breasts?

Whole breast ultrasound is a better option for women with extremely dense breasts because the same problem can occur in a 3D mammogram that occurs with a regular mammogram – sometimes the white cancer cannot be seen through the white breast tissue.

What is the difference between a limited ultrasound and a complete ultrasound?

Abdominal ultrasounds can be ordered a complete or limited. The abdomen limited includes images of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and right kidney. The abdomen complete includes imaging the aorta, IVC, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, right and left kidneys, and spleen.

Why do I need a bilateral breast ultrasound?

Bilateral breast ultrasound is a basic test for early diagnosis of pathologies and alterations in breast tissue, allowing differentiation between solid masses and cysts. This test, together with mammography, is essential for the evaluation of patients with breast pathology.

What are the three different types of mammograms?

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Breast ultrasound. Digital diagnostic mammography.

Why are diagnostic mammograms not covered by insurance?

Screening mammograms used for preventive care are generally covered by insurance. (In fact, most preventive cancer screenings are.) But because a diagnostic mammogram is used to diagnose something, you may have to pay a copay or coinsurance, depending on your insurance plan.

What does Z12 mean?

ICD-10 code Z12 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasms is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Factors influencing health status and contact with health services .

What is the best imaging for a breast lump?

Imaging tests

To further evaluate a breast lump, a care provider might recommend: Diagnostic mammogram. This specialized breast X-ray shows breast changes. It takes X-ray pictures from several angles.

Why does Medicare not cover breast ultrasound?

A breast ultrasound is a diagnostic test because it is ordered based on an abnormal finding, namely because of symptoms you have or dense breasts on a prior mammogram. Because it is not considered a screening test in the eyes of Medicare, it cannot be ordered as one.

What does Z12-31 mean in a mammogram?

Code. Description. Z12.31. Encounter for screening mammogram for malignant neoplasm of breast.

Can I get a breast ultrasound instead of a mammogram?

Ultrasound uses sound waves to image the breast. Ultrasound can be especially useful among individuals who have dense breasts, but it should not be used as a substitute for a mammogram.

How to bill for bilateral breast ultrasound?

Report 76641 or 76442 once, per breast, per session. Both codes are unilateral: If medical necessity requires bilateral imaging, you may append modifier 50 Bilateral procedure.

What type of mammogram is best for dense breasts?

3D mammography improves breast cancer detection for all women, including those with dense breasts. 3D mammography also decreases the chance that a patient will be called back for more imaging to clarify an area of uncertainty on the mammogram. Breast ultrasound exams may be added to screen women with dense breasts.

What is the difference between a regular mammogram and tomosynthesis?

Tomosynthesis is similar to a standard mammogram in that it uses X-ray technology and applies the same amount of pressure to the breast. But rather than providing two views—from top to bottom and side to side—the 3-D approach captures multiple views from a variety of angles in seconds.

How long does it take to get mammogram results if something is wrong?

The time it takes to get the results of a mammogram can vary. Typically, it takes a few days to a week to get the results. However, in some cases, it can take longer if the radiologist needs to review the images more thoroughly or if additional imaging is needed.

Should I be worried if I need an ultrasound after a mammogram?

In fact, fewer than 1 in 10 women called back for more tests are found to have cancer. Often, getting called back after a mammogram just means more mammograms or other tests (such as an ultrasound) need to be done to get a closer look at an area of concern.

How much does a breast ultrasound cost without insurance?

On MDsave, the cost of an Ultrasound Breast Unilateral (1 breast) in California, ranges from $122 to $219.

Which type of ultrasound is more accurate?

An abdominal ultrasound will be able to detect the heartbeat after eight weeks. If the pregnancy has a gestational age of less than eight weeks, then a transvaginal ultrasound is needed for an accurate reading.

Can too many ultrasounds be bad?

Is it safe to do an ultrasound every month during pregnancy? While ultrasounds are safe for you and your baby, most major medical associations recommend that pregnancy care providers should only do ultrasounds when the tests are medically necessary.

Why do they make you hold your breath during an ultrasound?

The technician may ask you to be very still or to hold your breath for a few seconds to create clearer pictures. Once the technician has gotten enough images, they'll wipe off any remaining gel on your skin and you'll be done.