77063
DBT screening, bilateral (add-on)
Screening digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), bilateral, add-on code. CMS 2026 global wRVU 0.45, total RVU approximately 1.29, Medicare global allowable approximately $43. Reported in addition to 77067 (screening mammography bilateral) when 3D tomosynthesis is also performed.
When to use it
Use 77063 when bilateral screening DBT is performed alongside the standard 2D screening mammogram (77067). 77063 is an add-on code and is never billed alone.
Full guidance
Diagnostic DBT add-on codes are 77061 (unilateral) and 77062 (bilateral) — those pair with 77065 or 77066 respectively. DBT improves cancer detection (especially in dense breasts) and reduces callback rates; most modern screening protocols include DBT routinely.
Documentation checklist
- ✓DBT acquisition documented (e.g., "tomosynthesis acquired in CC and MLO projections bilaterally").
- ✓Paired with primary 77067 screening code on the same date.
- ✓Interpretation includes the DBT findings, not just the 2D.
- ✓Setting modifier; signed report.
Common pitfalls
- !Billing 77063 alone, without 77067. As an add-on, 77063 cannot stand alone.
- !Billing 77063 with diagnostic mammography codes (77065 / 77066). The diagnostic add-ons are 77061 / 77062.
- !Stacking 77063 with 77061 or 77062 on the same date. Pick one based on whether the study is screening or diagnostic.
- !Missing the DBT add-on entirely when 3D was performed but only the 2D screening was billed. Significant under-coding given the widespread availability of DBT.
Payer notes
Medicare and most commercial payers cover 77063 when paired with screening 77067. ACA preventive screening cost-share waiver typically extends to DBT as part of routine screening. Some commercial plans still apply a small DBT-specific cost share; verify with the patient's benefit. The clinical case for DBT is stronger in women with dense breasts (BI-RADS density C or D).