AMA Issues New CPT Code for Intraoperative Fluorescence Breast Imaging

Reportedly over one-third of women undergoing lumpectomy procedures have re-excisions due to positive margins.¹ However, a newly issued CPT code may enable greater access to real-time intraoperative fluorescence imaging to detect residual breast cancer.

The Category III CPT add-on code 0945T, which will be effective on January 1, 2025, can be utilized for intraoperative margin assessment with fluorescence imaging after the performance of lumpectomy procedures.²

The CPT add-on code could facilitate broader access to the LumiSystem (Lumicell), a fluorescence imaging system that was approved by the FDA earlier this year. The LumiSystem, which includes the Lumicell Direct Visualization System and the optical imaging agent pegulicianine (Lumisight), has an 84 percent accuracy rate for detecting post-lumpectomy residual breast cancer, according to Lumicell.

“This new CPT code demonstrates positive momentum towards improving patient access to LumiSystem, which will have significant impact on breast cancer surgical outcomes for patients,” said Peter Blumencranz, M.D., the medical director of the BayCare Oncology Service Line and the Comprehensive Breast Care Center of Tampa Bay.

Lumicell noted the LumiSystem is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2024.

References

1. Dupont E, Tsangaris T, Garcia-Cantu C, et al. Resection of cavity shave margins in stage 0-III breast cancer patients undergoing breast conserving surgery: a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial. Ann Surg. 2021;273(5):876-881.

2. Lumicell. Lumicell announces new category III CPT code for intraoperative fluorescence imaging margin assessment in support of market launch. Business Wire. Available at: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240715471843/en/Lumicell-Announces-New-Category-III-CPT%C2%AE-Code-for-Intraoperative-Fluorescence-Imaging-Margin-Assessment-in-Support-of-Market-Launch . Published July 15, 2024. Accessed July 15, 2024.