CPT® does not make it easy to locate codes for destruction of lesion(s). These codes are found in multiple chapters throughout the CPT® book, and are … [Read more...]
Can we bill an E/M service with a scheduled endoscopy?
Question: Can we charge an E/M service when we do a scheduled endoscopy to account for the cost of nursing staff, supplies, pre- and post- care of … [Read more...]
Surgical Coding for Hernia Repair
An abdominal hernia is a protrusion of part of the intestines through a weakened section of the abdominal cavity; herniations can occur in other parts … [Read more...]
Procedure Coding for Colonoscopies
“A colonoscopy is the examination of the entire colon, from the rectum to the cecum, and may include the examination of the terminal ileum or small … [Read more...]
Everyday Dermatology Coding
Everyday Dermatology Coding is a 52 page guide to coding dermatology services. Members can download the guide using the link below. This … [Read more...]
Coding for breast procedures: biopsy, localization devices, and surgery
From biopsy to localization device to mastectomy, coding for breast procedures can be challenging. This article summarizes the rules related to these … [Read more...]
Coding Skin Procedures in Dermatology, Family Practice and Urgent Care | Webinar
Recorded February 21, 2019 Many practitioners would rather do a skin procedure than code for the service. Skin procedures aren’t just a staple of … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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. … [Read more...]
Excisions of benign and malignant lesions | Dermatology
Skin lesion excisions are reported using codes from the integumentary section: Excision of benign lesions: 11400—11471 Neoplasms … [Read more...]
Other dermatologic procedures
This aricle reviews the codes and guidelines for these dermatologic procedures; Intralesional injections, photodynamic therapy, phototherapy, and … [Read more...]
Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesions
The chart below includes CPT® codes, descriptions and RVUs for shaving epidermal and dermal lesions. After the chart, there are important key points … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
Diagnosis coding for biopsy sent for pathology
Question: What diagnosis code should you use when sending a skin biopsy to pathology? a) D48.5 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin, or b) … [Read more...]
CPT® codes for fine needle aspiration
Fine needle aspiration biopsy Material is aspirated with a fine needle and the cells are examined cytologically Core needle biopsy is … [Read more...]
Codes for skin biopsies
CPT updated certain skin biopsy codes in 2019 The codes for excision of benign and malignant lesions did not change, and codes for shave biopsies … [Read more...]
Coding Guide – Minor Surgical Procedures
This guide includes complete definitions, RVUs, and global days of minor procedures used frequently in primary care and urgent care. And, even more … [Read more...]
Minor Procedures
These reference sheets for minor procedures include common CPT® codes, descriptions, current work and non-facility RVUs, and global days for quick … [Read more...]
Coding for biopsy | Should we wait for a pathology report?
Question: Should we always wait for the pathology report before submitting a code for a biopsy? Answer: Sometimes. Wait for the pathology … [Read more...]
What does the decision to perform a minor procedure really mean?
I received this question recently and want to share it with you. “Since the decision to perform a minor procedure is included in the payment for the … [Read more...]