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Dermatology Coding Alert

CPT 2005 Brings New Level of Specificity and Pay to Wound Care Codes
Do away with 97601 for active wound care Starting Jan. 1, you\'ll have two new codes to be... Read more
CPT Update:
The Wait Is Over for a Better Mesh Removal Code
11008 covers most but not all removal cases The addition of 11008 comes in handy when you... Read more
'1' May Help You Stay on Top of Your Modifier -59 Reporting
As OIG heightens scrutiny, keep  your distinct procedures on the straight and narrow ... Read more
Correction
In the reader question \"Tissue Transfer and Repair Codes Complete Your Excision Cases\" i... Read more
Follow by Example and Simplify Your Procedure Coding
The fast-paced check-out process in most dermatology practices can cause you to make hasty... Read more
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Say Goodbye to Your Modifier -59 Woes
This flowchart helps you learn the do\'s and don\'ts of distinct procedural servicesIf you... Read more
Correction
The answer to a reader's question in the September 2005 Dermatology Coding Alert ("Append ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Has ICD-9 Coding Lost Its Grace? Read On
Question: Has CMS ended the 90-day grace period for getting used to new ICD-9 codes? I\'ve... Read more
Reader Questions:
Bill Acne Steroid Injection as 11900, J3301
Question: A dermatologist injects an acne cyst with 0.05 cc of Kenalog. How should I code ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to 17000 for Plantar Wart Cryotherapy
Question: Which code should I use for cryotherapy treatment of a common or plantar wart on... Read more
Reader Questions:
No-Show? No Code
Question: We regularly have patients who don\'t show up for their appointments and don\'t ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Split-Thickness Codes for Keratinocytes
Question: How should I code for harvesting of keratinocytes for skin grafts?Texas Subscrib... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Myobloc Isn't Botox, but Coding Is Similar
Question: How should I report Myobloc injections? Is Myobloc just another name for Botox? ... Read more
CPT Update:
Use 3 Specialized Codes for Extensive Debridements in 2005
But don\'t substitute the 11004 series when reporting pressure ulcer excisions Soon you\'l... Read more
Billing Corner:
Checklist Covers All the Bases In Your Billing Process
Here\'s an outline you can follow to help keep auditors at bay If you\'ve struggled to kee... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Brush Up on Your ROS Knowledge With This Primer
Respond to these 4 scenarios to earn expert status with your E/M codingBefore you report a... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Answers to 'Brush Up on Your ROS Knowledge With This Primer'
Answer 1: You should bill the scenario based on the appropriate level of E/M service (9920... Read more
Reader Question:
Include Manifestation AND Cause for Your Diabetic Patients
Question: What would be the correct diagnosis code for three diabetic dermopathy bilateral... Read more
Reader Question:
Pay Close Attention to Units for All of Your Botox Charges
Question: My doctor\'s office starting administering Botox to patients, but I have never b... Read more
Reader Question:
Pathology Reports May Solve Lesion Removal Mysteries
Question: Are there written guidelines that state that the dermatologist must document the... Read more
Reader Question:
Purpose Distinguishes Biopsies From Excisions
Question: Would you please explain the difference between code 11100 and the excision code... Read more
Reader Question:
11900 and J3301 Solve Acne Steroid Injection Woes
Question: Our dermatologist injects an acne cyst with 0.05 cc of Kenalog. How should I cod... Read more
Reader Question:
issue Transfer and Repair Codes Complete Your Excision Cases
Question: Our dermatologist removed a skin cancer lesion on a patient\'s ear, and he perfo... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting 15000 May Not Be So Simple
Question: I am confused about whether I can report code 15000 for site preparation. Would ... Read more
Think You've Mastered Dermatitis Coding? Read This First to Review the Critical Elements
Don\'t bypass modifier -25 or else forfeit pay for patch testsIf you\'ve missed out on pat... Read more
Sneak Peak:
Hold On to Your Coding Hats - Here Come the 2005 CPT Codes
Plan on 4 New Year\'s debridement resolutions Toast the new year with four new in... Read more
Separate Your Documentation To Ease Modifier -25 Claims
To append or not to append? Keep this checklist nearby to lead you to the answerTo ease pa... Read more
NCCI Update:
Dermatology Practices Escape Version 10.3 Edits
October 2004 marks the initiation of the National Correct Coding Initiative version 10.3 e... Read more
Billing Corner:
Turn That Copayment Frown Upside Down
Capture your copays by revamping a few in-office protocolsCollecting copays is difficult f... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Test Your Mohs Coding Knowledge
3 scenarios from our coding experts help you improve your 17304 skillsNo dermatology pract... Read more
Reader Question:
Watch Closures With Fascia Excisions
Question: Our dermatologist re-excised a melanoma with an area that was 12 cm long and 3.5... Read more
Reader Question:
Add Sites Together for Correct Debridement Coding
Question: A patient came to our dermatology practice with infected decubiti on two sites t... Read more
Reader Question:
Location Gives You the Correct Excision Code
Question: The dermatologist excised and fulgurated a lesion that measured 0.1 cm. He then ... Read more
Reader Question:
Does Destruction Include Cryotherapy? Read On
Question: I am not familiar with histofreezer treatment for skin lesions. Can you tell me ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Lesion or Excision?
Question: We\'re seeing an increase in Medicare denials for destruction of lesions on the ... Read more
Procedure's Intent Makes or Breaks Your 11100 Reimbursement
Coding experts unveil the key to biopsy pay If you\'re confused about when you should rep... Read more
Proper Documentation Justifies Higher Pay When Docs Do More
Here\'s a template to help you master E/M coding for necessary skin procedures  If y... Read more
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Make Your E/M Visit Documentation a Snap
If you want to nail the correct E/M code every time, the template below, created by our ex... Read more
Your Top-3 Foreign-Body Removal Questions Answered
Refresh your 10120 and 10121 coding with our primer Before you report any foreign-body rem... Read more
Reader Questions:
76880 Solves Your Ultrasound Conundrum
Question: Which code should I report when the dermatologist performs an ultrasound of a sk... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand the Ins and Outs of Mohs Coding
Question: If the physician in our practice performs Mohs on four different lesions, should... Read more
Reader Questions:
Personal History Can Justify Reimbursement
Question: Many of our patients with history of skin cancer visit us annually for skin chec... Read more
Reader Questions:
Personal History Can Justify Reimbursement
Question: Many of our patients with history of skin cancer visit us annually for skin chec... Read more
Reader Questions:
Modifier -51 Breaks the Bonds With Excision Denials
Question: We\'re seeing an increase in Medicare denials for choroids plexus tumor (cpt) ex... Read more
Reader Questions:
Complicated Procedures Clarify Coding
Question: My physician\'s documentation states, \"Deep incision and drainage of a hematoma... Read more
Reader Questions:
Think Twice Before You Report Preparation
Question: Our dermatologist\'s operative note reads, \"Wide excision of melanoma of forear... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Report E/M Services With Drug Therapy
Question: Our dermatologists see acne patients for follow-up isotretinoin visits. During t... Read more
Looking to 16000-16030 for Burn Treatments?
There\'s more to the procedures than dressing, debridement If you\'re reporting 16000-1603... Read more
Location Criteria Scratch the Surface of ICD-9 Burn Coding
5 questions test your 941-947, 948 and E code knowledge If you report treatment for burns,... Read more
Don't Settle for Unilateral Reimbursement for -50
4 tips maneuver you through complicated -LT and -RT pay You\'re not alone if you have diff... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Bone Up on Your Lesion Excision Reporting
4 scenarios assess your knowledge before you report 11400-11646 Test your coding knowledge... Read more
Reader Question:
Add Sites Together for Debridement Coding
Question: A patient came to our dermatology practice with infected decubiti on two sites ... Read more
Reader Question:
Size Doesn't Always Matter
Question: For reporting lipoma removal, which codes are correct: the benign lesion codes ... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Layer Closure Separately
Question: Our dermatologist saw a patient with lesions on his face and cheek. He excised ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use 713.2 for Paraneoplastic Arthritis
Question: What is the CPT code for paraneoplastic arthritis, and please explain when I wo... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier -57 Is Only for Major Procedures
Question: Can I append modifier -57 on a consult when the physician decides to perform a ... Read more
Reader Question:
To Sum Excisions or Not? That Is the Question
Question: Would you please explain adding excision sizes together? If the dermatologist e... Read more
Reader Question:
Sequence Procedures According to Complexity
Question: How should I code the following: the physician performed a wide excision of rec... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Check Report Before Selecting Benign or Malignant
Question: When coding removal of a skin lesion, how do I know if I should select the beni... Read more
ICD-9 Update:
Get the Scoop on New Dermatitis, Ulcer Codes
Location criteria should improve your accuracy It\'s official: Starting Oct. 1, you\'ll ha... Read more
4 Questions Guide Your Ulcer Reporting
Hint: Know depth and location When your dermatologist performs a decubitus ulcer excision ... Read more
Decubitus Ulcer Easy-Coding Flow Chart
Use this tool to choose the correct ulcer code Follow this chart to get to the correct deb... Read more
NCCI 10.2 Update:
Don't Report J2001 With 223 Dermatology Codes
Learn these new designations or you\'ll risk losing out on deserved pay The National Corre... Read more
Here's How to Keep Nail Bed Repair, Nail Avulsion Separate
Look to removal and repair to decide which code you should report When your dermatologist ... Read more
Think You Know How to Use Modifier -25?
Answer 3 questions to make sure If you want to recoup reimbursement for your modifier -25 ... Read more
Correction:
Debridement
In \"3 Tips Help You Recover Your Full Debridement Pay: Maximize 11040-11044 pay with modi... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Report 15000 and 15732 for Site Preparation/Excision
Question: Should I report 15000 for site preparation/ excision of basal cell carcinoma wi... Read more
Reader Question:
2 Sites Justify 2 Codes
Question: One of the doctors in my practice performed two Mohs surgeries on two different... Read more
Reader Question:
Report 15825 or 15828 for Rhytidectomy
Question: The dermatologist in our practice removed excess skin from a patient\'s neck. Is... Read more
Reader Question:
Look for Hints When Documentation Doesn't Say It All
Question: Should I rely solely on my doctor\'s documentation to specifically state \"laye... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Expedite Tick Removal Reimbursement
Question: How should I submit the following claim: A patient with a tick embedded in his ... Read more
3 Tips Help You Recover Your Full Debridement Pay
Maximize 11040-11044 pay with modifier -51 In most cases, your practice won\'t report debr... Read more
Don't Miss Out on Full Pay for Multiple Procedures
Append modifiers -59 and -51 to separate related codes When a dermatologist performs multi... Read more
Catch More Copays With These Tips
Many surgical practices have signs that read \"Payment is expected at time of service,\" b... Read more
You Decide the Correct Lesion Procedure Code
3 case examples to test your knowledge of 11100-11600 Test your biopsy and excision skills... Read more
Reader Question:
Simplify Complex Penile Lesion Destruction
Question: How should I code for laser destruction of penile lesions with CO2 laser when t... Read more
Reader Question:
Xylocaine Injection and Excision Are Bundled
Question: The dermatologist removed six papillomas from a patient and administered three ... Read more
Reader Question:
Infected Ingrown Nails May Be Payable
Question: A Medicare patient presented with a painful ingrown toenail, and our dermatolog... Read more
Reader Question:
You Should Consider Closure Level for Foreign Body Removal
Question: Is it correct to code for removal of multiple foreign bodies in a penetrating w... Read more
Reader Question:
Excision With Monitoring? Use 99141
Question: What are the correct ICD-9 and CPT codes for \"excision of mole in scalp\" for ... Read more
Reader Question:
Nail the Correct Excision Code and Collect $80
Question: Could you please discuss \"nails\" as covered in the integumentary system secti... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Multiple Skin Tags Based on Number of Lesions
Question: Patient has 30 skin tags. Should we report 11200 for the first 15 lesions and 1... Read more
Reader Question:
Use 15000 for Site Preparation and Excision
Question: Would you use 15000 for site preparation/ excision of basal cell carcinmoa with... Read more
Reader Question:
Pathology Reports Don't Justify Lesion's Size
Question: Apatient had a squamous cell carcinoma of the nose removed in our office. The s... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill 15877 Only Once for Proper Pay
Question: Our dermatologist removed two lipomas from a patient\'s back using suction cann... Read more
Check Closure Level for Tissue Adhesive Repairs
2 questions get you as much as $120 When you report tissue adhesives, you should know whe... Read more
3 Tips Help You Report 99201 With 17000 Codes
Recoup $100 for your E/M and wart removal procedures  When your dermatologist pe... Read more
Watch These Tissue Adhesive Repair Bundles
We\'ve pulled together the following code list to help your practice avoid denials from re... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Don't Let Defects Take Your Mohs Pay
Question: A patient presents with skin cancer. The dermatologist performs Mohs surgery a... Read more
Corrections
In \"Don\'t Let Misuse of 99241-99275 Reduce Your Reimbursement\" in the March 2004 issue ... Read more
Reader Question:
Pathology Reports Don't Tell the Whole Story
Question: Our dermatologist\'s card merely said that he performed a \"wide excision\" biop... Read more
Reader Question:
Recover Skin Graft Pay With Thorough Details
Question: Our practice has had a lot of denials on our skin graft procedures. Can you prov... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Primary Procedures With Add-On Codes
Question: I\'m fairly new to dermatology coding and have had problems with reporting add-o... Read more
Mohs Procedure Update:
Determine Medical or Cosmetic to Avoid Unnecessary Denials
You can earn as much as $550 by reporting wound closure correctlyWhen you report Mohs reco... Read more
NCCI 10.1 Update:
Latest Edits Will Not Affect Your Dermatology Practice
Dermatologists got another breather on the latest round of National Corrective Coding Init... Read more
Use CPT Guidelines to Help You Decipher Wound Repair
4 guidelines to follow to recoup your deserved payUse your CPT book to learn the steps for... Read more
Documentation Holds the Key for Full Dermatology Pay
Don\'t miss these 4 questions to help you recoup as much as $80Solid documentation that in... Read more
3 Tips Decipher Your Distinct and Repeat Procedures
Use modifiers -59, -76 and -77 without throwing a hitch into your payWhen you report Modif... Read more
Reader Question:
Atypical Moles Reporting Isn't Clear-Cut
Question: How should I code a dysplastic nevus on the body (trunk)?  Maryland Subscri... Read more
Reader Question:
Updates Bring Payment for Agents
Question: I hear that the 2004 fee schedule brought about some billing concerns related to... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Size, Location to Determine Graft Reporting
Question: The dermatologist treated a burn patient who was receiving a skin graft. The are... Read more
Reader Question:
Lesion Excision or Biopsy
Question: When a provider performs a lesion excision or a biopsy and does not know specifi... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Reporting Multiple Procedures
Question: How do I report modifier -51 correctly when I am reporting multiple procedures p... Read more
4 Questions Help Recover Scar Revision Pay
Verify medical necessity and avoid \'cosmetic\' denialsWhen your dermatologist performs sc... Read more
Get 100 Percent Reimbursement for Skin Repairs, Skin Grafts
2 tips to steer clear of add-on code denialsWhen you report add-on codes for your skin rep... Read more
Don't Let Misuse of 99241-99275 Reduce Your Reimbursement
4 criteria to help you report consult codesIf reporting your dermatologist\'s consultation... Read more
Justify Additional Biopsies or Excisions
Avoid pitfalls when reporting new or established patient consultsIf your dermatologist nee... Read more
Reader Question:
ROS Determines 'Type' and 'Extent' of Exams
Question: When a dermatologist lists an organ system and documents past medical/surgical h... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifiers Pave the Way to Reimbursement
Question: We have a Medicare patient who had multiple skin tag and lesion removal procedur... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid New Patient Status for Established Patients
Question: Our practice includes eight dermatologists. Often, a new patient will see one do... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Local Payers Before Billing With 96567
Question: Would you tell me how to code for photodynamic therapy treatments? Should I bill... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Incomplete Excisions
Question: The dermatologist sent in a skin specimen and frozen section for evaluation in t... Read more
Reader Question:
Use 69300 for Ear Pinning
Question: How should I report ear pinning?Nebraska SubscriberAnswer: Ear pinning is also k... Read more
Reader Question Add Primary and Secondary Defects Before Reporting
Question: The dermatologist at my practice performed Mohs surgery on a patient with skin c... Read more
You Be The Coder:
Removal of Benign Lesions
Question: Recently, our practice has been getting more denials for the removal of benign s... Read more
3 Questions to Help You Improve Your Botox Injection Pay
Keep track of your toxin units If your dermatology practice is using botulinum toxin (Boto... Read more
4 Easy Steps to Help You Select the Right Skin Graft Code
Don\'t let confusion over the 20 skin graft codes get you down. Here are four easy s... Read more
Know Your EMG Codes
Your dermatologist may use electromyographic guidance (EMG) during Botox injections to ens... Read more
How Accurate Is Your Wound Repair Coding?
A simple checklist helps you collect your pay You can improve your wound repair reimbursem... Read more
Code Separately for Warts and Spare Your Reimbursement
Billing only once for wart destruction could be costing your practice big money. You can b... Read more
News You Can Use:
New Conversion Factor Gives Your Practice a Pay Raise
According to CMS\' Dec. 24 transmittal, Medicare\'s new conversion factor stands at 37.337... Read more
Reader Question:
Use G0168 for Dermabond Repairs
Question: Can I report G0168 when I use Dermabond for a simple laceration repair? &nb... Read more
Reader Question:
Report Collagen Skin Tests With Q3031
Question: A patient came to us for her first collagen injections. The dermatologist perfor... Read more
Reader Question:
Use NOS Codes to Report Unknown Skin Rashes
Question: We recently treated a patient for a skin rash that seemed to be an allergic reac... Read more
Reader Question:
Play by the Rules When Billing for Dermabrasion
Question: How should I code for dermabrasion and get reimbursed?Virginia Subscriber A... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Excision Requires Full-Thickness Graft
Question: The dermatologist excises a basal cell carcinoma tumor from a patient\'s nasal t... Read more
CPT 2004 Update:
3 Tips to Recoup Biopsy and Excision Pay
Good news, dermatology coders: CPT 2004 clarifies guidelines to help you determine when yo... Read more
CPT 2004 Update:
Think You've Got Defect and Repair Codes Down Pat?
CPT 2004 changes things Dermatology coders who were puzzled when coding primary and secon... Read more
Know Your 'Adjacent Tissue Transfer or Rearrangement' Codes
If you\'re looking for a handy reference tool that will help you remember the codes that r... Read more
Fee Schedule Update:
Physicians Escape Cut for 2004
But skin procedures lose out There\'s good news and bad news for dermatologists in the ref... Read more
Attention Dermatology Coders:
3 Questions to Ask Yourself About Modifier -25
If you want to make sure that you get reimbursed for your modifier -25 claims, start by ma... Read more
CPT Does Away With the Starred Designations
Starting in January, your billing for certain surgical procedures will be simpler.  C... Read more
Reader Question:
Append -22 for Large Melanoma Excisions
Question: We receive hundreds of dermatology specimens every day. Some take considerably m... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier -59 Is Key to Multiple Lesion Removal Pay
Question: Our physician removed and destroyed multiple lesions on a Medicare patient durin... Read more
Reader Question:
Scar Revision Coding Depends on Documentation
Question: The surgeon performed a bilateral mastectomy on a patient and has scheduled her ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Can We Report Botox During Global?
Question: How should we code if a patient recently had surgery and a Botox injection is sc... Read more
Available Years:  2004