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May 20, 2025

Repair (closure) CPT® 12001–13160–2020 update

Laceration or wound repair codes are reported based on the type of repair (simple, intermediate, complex), the anatomic location, and the length The length of multiple lacerations of the same type and defined as the same anatomic location are summed and reported with a single CPT code. For multiple lacerations of either different types or […]

Coding for Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery is performed to remove complex or ill-defined skin cancer, and the procedure includes both the surgery and histopathologic examination. Both capacities are required in order to bill for these codes, and neither part may be delegated to another individual. Let’s look at the specific guidelines for coding for Mohs Micrographic Surgery: According to […]

Other Dermatologic Procedures

This aricle reviews the codes and guidelines for these dermatologic procedures; Intralesional injections, photodynamic therapy, phototherapy, and laser treatments. Intralesional injections Intralesional injections deliver a medication directly into a specific skin lesion, allowing the medication to be delivered over a period of time. Corticosteroids are common examples. Report either code 11900 for up to 7 […]

Shaving of Epidermal or Dermal Lesions

The chart below includes CPT® codes, and descriptions for shaving epidermal and dermal lesions. After the chart, there are important key points to keep in mind when using these codes. Code Description 11300 Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, trunk, arms or legs; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less 11301     lesion diameter […]

Coding for Destruction of Malignant Lesions

The primary factors in selecting a code for destruction of malignant lesions are: Size of lesion (not defect) Location Method is not a factor in code selection Per Principles of CPT® Coding: “The destruction of malignant lesions is reported with codes 17260—17286. Similar to the codes for excision of lesions, the correct code is chosen […]

Skin Biopsies

Correctly selecting and reporting skin biopsies requires an understanding of CPT® codes for skin biopsies There are codes for excision of benign and malignant lesions, and codes for shave procedures.  Those are coded based on the size of the excision and location There are specific biopsy codes in other chapters, for biopsy of ears, lips, […]

Selecting CPT® Rules for Excision of Skin Lesions

Many medical practices perform skin procedures.  A patient may see a dermatologist, a family physician or a surgeon when the time comes to find out, “What’s this thing growing on my arm?”  This article discusses excision of benign and malignant lesions. Shaves, biopsies, and destruction of lesions are covered in other articles. Per CPT, excision […]

Destruction of Benign or Pre-Malignant Lesions

Finding the right code for lesion destruction is not easy. The codes are distributed in the CPT® book in the integumentary, digestive, male genital system, female genital system, and eye and ocular systems. Some of the codes are selected by the method of destruction and some are not.  Some of the codes are selected based […]

Excision of Benign or Malignant Lesions

This article reviews codes and guidelines for excision of skin lesions. For more information about minor procedures, see additional resources at the bottom of this page. This article includes: CPT® codes for excision Excision of benign lesions Excision of malignant lesions Excision of soft tumors Reporting Excision of Multiple Lesions of the Same Size Coding […]

Annual CPT® Changes Webinar

CodingIntel welcomes back Shannon McCall of HCPro for this review of changes that will go into effect January 1st, 2025. Exclusively for members.

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Compliance for Medical Practices

Exclusively for members, this two module concentration includes guidance for developing an audit workplan, and how to locate source citations for common healthcare compliance scenarios.

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IRE Inpatient Determinations: Case Studiesoding for Prolonged Services | Webinar

Exclusively for members, this case-study focused webinar describes important ICD-10-CM Guidelines that establish the rules for these decisions.

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Our mission is to provide up-to-date, simplified, citation driven resources that empower our members to gain confidence and authority in their coding role.

In 1988, CodingIntel.com founder Betsy Nicoletti started a Medical Services Organization for a rural hospital, supporting physician practice. She has been a self-employed consultant since 1998. She estimates that in the last 20 years her audience members number over 28,400 at in person events and webinars. She has had 2,500 meetings with clinical providers and reviewed over 43,000 medical notes. She knows what questions need answers and developed this resource to answer those questions.

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