Does C79.81 require prior authorization?

No, C79.81 does not require prior authorization (high confidence). Code is covered without prior authorization.

`C79.81` — Secondary malignant neoplasm of breast

ICD-10-CM

No Prior Auth Required

Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)

The patient’s medical record must document medical necessity supporting the related LCD (L33585), including relevant medical history, physical examination, and results of pertinent diagnostic tests or procedures.
A clear clinical indication for the breast sonogram, breast MRI, or ductogram must be documented in both the medical record and the referral order.
The medical record must include a formal written report describing all views completed, the reason for the test, a description of the test, interpretation and results, and the name of the physician to whom the report is being sent.
For services requiring a referring/ordering physician, the name and UPIN or NPI of the referring/ordering physician must be reported on the claim; for breast sonography, breast MRI, and ductogram, the treating/ordering physician NPI is required on the claim (report in CMS-1500 item 17a or electronic equivalent).

Breast sonography (CPT 76641, 76642) is covered when the medical record documents medical necessity per the related LCD (L33585); if performed bilaterally, report modifier 50 with CPT 76641 or 76642.
Breast MRI is covered only when billed with CPT code 77046, 77047, 77048, or 77049 and when medical necessity is documented per the related LCD (L33585).
Mammary ductogram/galactogram is covered only when billed with CPT 77053 or 77054 and medical necessity is documented per the related LCD (L33585); use CPT 19030 for contrast injection when billed separately.
For Part A facility billing, breast sonography should be billed using CPT 76641/76642; breast MRI may be billed using HCPCS C8903, C8905, C8906, C8908 or CPT 77046/77047; ductography should be billed using CPT 77053 or 77054.
Bill Cancer TYPE ID using CPT code 81540 (mRNA gene expression assay of 92 genes) for evaluation of tumors of unknown origin.
therascreen® KRAS test: detection of somatic KRAS mutations to identify colorectal cancer (CRC) patients for treatment with cetuximab (Erbitux®).

L38678 — MolDX: Phenotypic Biomarker Detection from Circulating Tumor Cells

J05

A57581 — Billing and Coding: MolDX: NRAS Genetic Testing

J05

A55147 — Billing and Coding: MolDX: bioTheranostics Cancer TYPE ID Update

J05

L39051 — Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery

J05

A58205

Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.