CCSD code B2752 – Subcutaneous mastectomy billing

Key takeaways

CCSD code B2752 is a subcutaneous mastectomy in Chapter 7 (Breast), with a Major 1 complexity band.

It covers removal of the breast tissue with the skin envelope kept and no implant placed.

An immediate implant moves the claim to B2700, and skin- or nipple-sparing surgery with node biopsy is B2760.

Most returned claims trace back to the wrong variant, a missing authorization or an operative note that doesn’t match.

The descriptor doesn’t state a side, so ask each insurer how it wants a bilateral operation billed.

CCSD code B2752 covers breast tissue removal with the skin kept

CCSD code B2752 is the UK private healthcare code for a subcutaneous mastectomy. The surgeon removes the glandular breast tissue through a skin incision and leaves the skin envelope in place.

The CCSD Technical Guide (October 2025 edition) lists mastectomy codes in Chapter 7, Breast, under sub-chapter 7.2.0 Mastectomy.

Insurer schedules file the code under “Mastectomy (excluding implant/reconstruction).” In other words, B2752 pays for the mastectomy on its own. An implant or flap placed in the same operation belongs to a different code.

The table below pulls the key reference details into one place.

One code covers the operation, but not what travels with it

B2752 follows the CCSD single code principle. One code describes the operation from start to finish, including the steps that routinely come with it.

For a subcutaneous mastectomy, that means the incision, removing the breast tissue, controlling bleeding, any drain and closing the wound.

However, several procedures often travel with a mastectomy and still fall outside B2752:

• An immediate implant or reconstruction. A subcutaneous mastectomy with an immediate implant is coded B2700. Combined mastectomy and reconstruction codes sit in sub-chapter 7.3.
• Axillary node surgery. Sentinel node mapping for breast cancer has its own codes, such as T9000. The modified radical codes include node sampling or clearance.
• Anesthesia. The anesthetist bills separately, using the same procedure code.
• Gender-affirming chest surgery. The Technical Guide gives it its own codes. It keeps the B-series mastectomy codes for all other reasons for surgery.

One more detail catches people out. Simple mastectomy (B2780) is listed as unilateral, but the B2752 descriptor doesn’t state a side. So ask the insurer how it wants a bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy billed before you send the invoice.

The operative note has to tell the same story as the code

A subcutaneous mastectomy is usually done under general anesthetic. The surgeon makes an incision, often in the fold beneath the breast or around the areola.

Next, the breast tissue is removed from under the skin. The nipple may or may not be kept, depending on the reason for surgery and the surgeon’s assessment.

Common reasons include risk-reducing surgery for patients with a high inherited cancer risk and some benign breast conditions. Because the same operation can be coded several ways, insurers read the clinical record closely before they pay.

What to keep on file for a B2752 claim

• Referral and indication: the referral letter and the clinical reason for surgery, such as genetic test results or imaging for a benign condition.
• Operative note: a note stating that a subcutaneous mastectomy was performed, on which side or sides, and whether the nipple was kept. It should also confirm that no implant or reconstruction was placed.
• Consent record: procedure-specific written consent covering the planned operation and its risks.
• Histopathology report: the pathology result for the removed tissue, which insurers may request during a claim review.
• Pre-authorization reference: the insurer’s authorization number, quoting B2752 as the approved code.

Write the note the way the operation happened, using the words the descriptor uses. If the note mentions an expander or implant, it contradicts a B2752 claim, and the insurer will query it.

Neighboring mastectomy codes differ by one detail

The mastectomy sub-chapter holds several codes that differ only by what else happens in the operation. Picking a neighbor by mistake is one of the most common reasons a breast surgery claim comes back.

The decision path below runs through the questions that separate them.

Here’s the full descriptor for each code, side by side:

Descriptors above come from the CCSD Technical Guide and the Freedom Health Insurance Chapter 7 fee schedule.

When two codes seem to fit, code what was performed rather than what pays more. And if the surgeon reconstructs with an expandable prosthesis in the same sitting, CCSD code B3012 is the one to check.

Each insurer sets its own fee and rules for B2752

UK private medical insurers accept CCSD codes, but each one sets its own fee, authorization rules and submission route. Even so, a B2752 claim usually moves through the same five stages:

1. Confirm cover. Check that the patient’s policy covers this surgery and the reason for it.
2. Request pre-authorization. Quote B2752, the side or sides, and any other codes planned for the same operation.
3. Operate and document. The operative note, consent form and pathology report go on the patient record.
4. Send the invoice. Include the authorization number, the membership number and the fee in force on the surgery date.
5. Track and follow up. Chase any claim that stalls, and answer insurer queries from the records on file.

Stage five is where claims quietly age. Many practices track authorizations and claim status in claims management software, so a stalled claim shows up within days. Each insurer also publishes its own lookup:

Fees differ between insurers and change with each schedule year. The Freedom figure in the reference table above is only one example. Always bill the fee in force on the date of surgery.

Pre-authorization has to quote B2752 before surgery

Insurers expect pre-authorization for a mastectomy, so request it once the surgery date is agreed. Most will ask for the following:

• Membership and policy details: confirm the patient’s cover is active and includes this type of surgery.
• Referring clinician details: the name and practice address of the referring GP or specialist.
• Clinical justification: the reason for surgery, such as a documented genetic risk or a benign diagnosis.
• CCSD code and laterality: B2752 with the side or sides, plus any separate codes planned for the same operation.
• Date and location: the hospital name and the proposed date of surgery.

Plans do change. If the surgeon decides to place an implant, request a new authorization under the correct code before the operation. An authorization for B2752 doesn’t cover B2700.

Most B2752 denials trace back to four fixable mistakes

A returned claim almost always points to one of four problems. The good news is that each one can be caught before the claim leaves your practice.

The code doesn’t match the operation

Billing B2752 when an implant was placed, or when an axillary node biopsy was included, sends the claim back. The insurer compares the operative note with the descriptor. So the code has to match what the note describes.

The authorization is missing or out of date

A claim sent without a valid authorization reference is usually rejected, even for an approved procedure. Authorizations also expire. Record the expiry date against the booking and check it before surgery.

A second code clashes with B2752

CCSD lists unacceptable combinations against many codes. If you add a code the schedule treats as part of B2752, the claim is denied. Check the list on the CCSD website before you add a second procedure code.

The records can’t back up the claim

Insurers may ask for the operative note, pathology report and consent form after surgery. When those sit in different places, a reply takes days and payment waits. Keep them linked to the patient and the surgery date, and your team can answer the same day.

Check these seven points before you submit

Those four problems suggest a short routine. Run it on every B2752 claim before it goes to the insurer:

• The operative note says “subcutaneous mastectomy” and names the side or sides.
• It also confirms no implant, expander or reconstruction was placed.
• No axillary node surgery is recorded. If it is, check B2760 or a separate node code instead.
• The authorization quotes B2752 and is still valid on the surgery date.
• Any second code isn’t on the unacceptable combinations list for B2752.
• The fee matches the insurer’s schedule in force on the surgery date.
• Your referral letter, consent form and pathology report are on file and easy to send.

Look up B2752 in the current CCSD schedule, not a saved copy

The CCSD schedule is the reference for every code, including B2752. It’s updated through the year, so a PDF saved months ago may be out of date.

Here’s how to check the live version:

1. Open the CCSD schedule on the CCSD website and search for B2752.
2. Go to Chapter 7, Breast. B2752 sits in sub-chapter 7.2.0 Mastectomy, alongside B2710, B2742 to B2744, B2760 and B2780.
3. Read the full descriptor and compare it with the operation your surgeon performed.
4. Check the unacceptable combinations marked against the code before adding any second code.
5. Confirm the fee with each insurer’s own schedule, using the edition in force on the date of surgery.

If you bill other operations too, our CCSD codes archive collects billing guides for more codes in the schedule.

How Pabau keeps breast surgery claims and records together

A breast surgery practice juggles authorizations, consent forms and claims across several insurers for each patient. When those sit in separate systems, one missing reference or unsigned form holds up payment.

Practice management software like Pabau keeps the booking, consent, clinical notes and claim in one patient record. Your team can see which authorizations are about to expire and which claims are still unpaid.

Consent works the same way. Patients sign procedure-specific forms digitally, and each signed copy is stored against their record with a timestamp. So when an insurer asks for evidence, your team can send it the same day.

Manage CCSD billing across all your private medical insurers

Pabau helps UK private practices track CCSD code submissions, manage pre-authorization workflows and keep the records private medical insurers ask for. See how it works for your practice.

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Conclusion

B2752 is easy to apply once the operative note is clear. It pays for breast tissue removal with the skin kept, and nothing added. So most of the work happens upstream, in a precise note and an authorization that quotes the right code.

If there’s any chance the surgeon will place an implant, raise B2700 with the insurer before the day. A short call beforehand costs far less than reworking a returned claim.

Want to see how Pabau keeps consent, notes and claims in one record for breast surgery billing? Book a demo with our team.

Continue your research

Adding an implant or expander? CCSD code B3012 covers mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using an expandable prosthesis.

Reconstructing with a fixed implant? CCSD code B3015 explains billing for breast reconstruction using a fixed prosthesis.

Removing a localized lesion instead? CCSD code B2880 explains excision biopsy of a breast lesion after localization.

Billing mainly through Bupa? Bupa procedure codes fee schedule shows how Bupa sets its fees against CCSD codes.

New to the CCSD system? Bupa CCSD codes explains how the schedule is organized and billed.

Frequently asked questions