Fine Needle Biopsy

Occasionally, a physician will use a fine needle to biopsy a palpable, superficial lesion.  Generally, there will not be a fine needle biopsy tariff listed in the Physician’s Manual specific to the anatomical region of interest. Manitoba Health has confirmed that, in these situations, you may submit a claim under tariff *0171, Biopsy of skin, subcutaneous tissue or mucous membrane including simple closure or punch biopsy (Independent Procedure).

Billing Notes: A single fee is payable regardless of the number of fine needle passes used to obtain the specimen. A biopsy of a second, distinct, palpable lesion at the same sitting would be paid at 100%. Tariff 0171 is an asterisked (*) tariff. Accordingly, the usual management of the case and follow-up care will be paid in addition. Tariff 0171 is an independent procedure, hence, it may not be claimed if the biopsy performed was integral to another procedure.

Questions?

Braden Kalichuk
bkalichuk@docsmb.org
(204) 985-5848

 

Updated: November 2016