Dermatology Coding Alert
Burn treatments:
3 Tips to Keep from Getting Burned by 16000-16030 Errors
Tip: Check documentation for mention of debridement and capture deserved reimbursemen... Read more
3 Tips to Keep from Getting Burned by 16000-16030 Errors
Tip: Check documentation for mention of debridement and capture deserved reimbursemen... Read more
ICD-10:
Follow These Steps for Trouble-Free Burn Dx Coding
Codes include information on location, degree, TBSA, and cause. Knowing the type ... Read more
Follow These Steps for Trouble-Free Burn Dx Coding
Codes include information on location, degree, TBSA, and cause. Knowing the type ... Read more
Reader question:
Let Tumor Type Lead Code Choice
Question: We had a case involving a melanoma re-excision of 11 cm by 3.3 cm (excised dia... Read more
Let Tumor Type Lead Code Choice
Question: We had a case involving a melanoma re-excision of 11 cm by 3.3 cm (excised dia... Read more
Reader question:
Pinpoint POS Codes with This Quick Guide
Question: I have heard that MACs are paying close attention to our place of service (POS... Read more
Pinpoint POS Codes with This Quick Guide
Question: I have heard that MACs are paying close attention to our place of service (POS... Read more
Reader question:
Earn $139 With Accurate Lesion Measure
Question: One of our dermatologists reports malignant lesion excision by stating the dim... Read more
Earn $139 With Accurate Lesion Measure
Question: One of our dermatologists reports malignant lesion excision by stating the dim... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid ICD-9 and ICD-10 on 1 CMS-1500 Form
Question: Our physician admitted a patient in September and didn’t discharge her u... Read more
Avoid ICD-9 and ICD-10 on 1 CMS-1500 Form
Question: Our physician admitted a patient in September and didn’t discharge her u... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Punch Biopsy FBR
Question: The physician used a punch biopsy to remove a thickly embedded tick from a pat... Read more
Punch Biopsy FBR
Question: The physician used a punch biopsy to remove a thickly embedded tick from a pat... Read more
Scars:
Get Answers on Showing Medical Necessity for Scar Revisions
Tip: You may be able to report tissue transfers as a separate procedure. If you think ... Read more
Get Answers on Showing Medical Necessity for Scar Revisions
Tip: You may be able to report tissue transfers as a separate procedure. If you think ... Read more
ICD-10:
Practices Report Mostly Smooth Sailing Through ICD-10 Transition
Some potential issues, however, may remain to be seen. If you asked medical practices ... Read more
Practices Report Mostly Smooth Sailing Through ICD-10 Transition
Some potential issues, however, may remain to be seen. If you asked medical practices ... Read more
ICD-10:
Understand Grace Period
Check out these resources, too. You’re using ICD-10, and you’re not too su... Read more
Understand Grace Period
Check out these resources, too. You’re using ICD-10, and you’re not too su... Read more
Consultations:
These Tips Clear Your Consultation Coding Confusion
Caution: Confirm with your payer before billing as it may not follow Medicare rules. M... Read more
These Tips Clear Your Consultation Coding Confusion
Caution: Confirm with your payer before billing as it may not follow Medicare rules. M... Read more
Reader Question:
Stick to Integumentary Codes For Wart Removal From Buccal Sulcus
Question: Our dermatologist recently removed ten lesions of verucca vulgaris from t... Read more
Stick to Integumentary Codes For Wart Removal From Buccal Sulcus
Question: Our dermatologist recently removed ten lesions of verucca vulgaris from t... Read more
Reader Question:
Beware Medical Records Rules
Question: We discharged a patient due to non-payment, and one week later a new surg... Read more
Beware Medical Records Rules
Question: We discharged a patient due to non-payment, and one week later a new surg... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Wedge Excision on Two Sides
Question: Our dermatologist recently performed removal of the inflamed tissue adjac... Read more
Wedge Excision on Two Sides
Question: Our dermatologist recently performed removal of the inflamed tissue adjac... Read more
Vein Treatments:
Dodge These Vein Treatment Myths for Blemish-Free Claims
Tip: Treatments can be the same for spider veins and varicose veins, but be familiar wit... Read more
Dodge These Vein Treatment Myths for Blemish-Free Claims
Tip: Treatments can be the same for spider veins and varicose veins, but be familiar wit... Read more
ICD-10:
I83.--- Family Covers Varicose Veins of Lower Extremities
Starting Oct. 1, your options for diagnosis coding expanded from five to more than 55. ... Read more
I83.--- Family Covers Varicose Veins of Lower Extremities
Starting Oct. 1, your options for diagnosis coding expanded from five to more than 55. ... Read more
CPT® Update:
Get the Scoop on 2 New Prolonged Services Codes You Can Use Next Year
You’ll now be able to report more than just physician time. ‘Tis the seaso... Read more
Get the Scoop on 2 New Prolonged Services Codes You Can Use Next Year
You’ll now be able to report more than just physician time. ‘Tis the seaso... Read more
Compliance:
CMS: Improper E/M Coding Remains a Growing Problem
Part B error rate is worse this year than last. No matter where you look, you’re... Read more
CMS: Improper E/M Coding Remains a Growing Problem
Part B error rate is worse this year than last. No matter where you look, you’re... Read more
Reader Question:
Reaching Out to E/M Always? Think Again
Question: Can I charge for a 99213 and a 17250 on the same day at the same visit if... Read more
Reaching Out to E/M Always? Think Again
Question: Can I charge for a 99213 and a 17250 on the same day at the same visit if... Read more
Reader Question:
Make Sure Your Documentation Is In Order on Modifier 52 Claims
Question: We recently submitted a claim for reduced services because the physician ... Read more
Make Sure Your Documentation Is In Order on Modifier 52 Claims
Question: We recently submitted a claim for reduced services because the physician ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use "Other" ICD-10 Codes With Caution
Question: If I find that a common ICD-9 code that I use doesn’t have a direct... Read more
Use "Other" ICD-10 Codes With Caution
Question: If I find that a common ICD-9 code that I use doesn’t have a direct... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Multiple Wart Injections
Question: If the dermatologist injects two warts five times each, would I need to r... Read more
Multiple Wart Injections
Question: If the dermatologist injects two warts five times each, would I need to r... Read more
Skin Grafts:
Wound Size, Skin Substitutes, Site Prep, and Thickness: Your Graft Coding Questions Answered
Tip: Graft size has nothing to do with code selection, say experts. Whether it’s... Read more
Wound Size, Skin Substitutes, Site Prep, and Thickness: Your Graft Coding Questions Answered
Tip: Graft size has nothing to do with code selection, say experts. Whether it’s... Read more
ICD-10:
Check If You Are All Set to Implement ICD-10
Gear up for the fast approaching change with these 4 steps. Oct. 1 will bring the chal... Read more
Check If You Are All Set to Implement ICD-10
Gear up for the fast approaching change with these 4 steps. Oct. 1 will bring the chal... Read more
I&D:
Understand the Difference Between Simple and Complicated Pilonidal I&D or Lose $90
Look for instances when you can report an additional E/M. When your dermatologist perf... Read more
Understand the Difference Between Simple and Complicated Pilonidal I&D or Lose $90
Look for instances when you can report an additional E/M. When your dermatologist perf... Read more
Reader Question:
Stick to Integumentary Codes for Wart Removal From Buccal Sulcus
Question: Our dermatologist recently removed 10 lesions of verucca vulgaris from th... Read more
Stick to Integumentary Codes for Wart Removal From Buccal Sulcus
Question: Our dermatologist recently removed 10 lesions of verucca vulgaris from th... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Suture Removal
Question: Our dermatologist recently performed suture removal in the office for an ... Read more
Suture Removal
Question: Our dermatologist recently performed suture removal in the office for an ... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Test Your Mohs Coding Skills
What would you do in these clinical scenarios? Mohs is a treatment procedure for a pat... Read more
Test Your Mohs Coding Skills
What would you do in these clinical scenarios? Mohs is a treatment procedure for a pat... Read more
ICD-10:
CMS: For First Year, We Won't Deny Claims With Wrong ICD-10 Codes
As long as you use an ICD-10 code from the right “family,” the MAC will pay ... Read more
CMS: For First Year, We Won't Deny Claims With Wrong ICD-10 Codes
As long as you use an ICD-10 code from the right “family,” the MAC will pay ... Read more
Coding Quiz Answers:
Location, Stage, Number of Blocks Key to Mohs Code Selection
Check your clinical solutions against our expert answers. How is your Mohs coding acum... Read more
Location, Stage, Number of Blocks Key to Mohs Code Selection
Check your clinical solutions against our expert answers. How is your Mohs coding acum... Read more
ABNs:
Ensure Proper Payment With ABNs For Potentially Uncovered Services
ABN protocols can have residual effects on patient relations. As difficult as it might... Read more
Ensure Proper Payment With ABNs For Potentially Uncovered Services
ABN protocols can have residual effects on patient relations. As difficult as it might... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch Requirements For Reporting Blister Drainage With an I&D Code
Question: Our clinician recently performed drainage of fluid that was collected in ... Read more
Watch Requirements For Reporting Blister Drainage With an I&D Code
Question: Our clinician recently performed drainage of fluid that was collected in ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Skipping PFSH Can Cost You
Question: I have a claim in front of me that is giving me pause because I cannot de... Read more
Skipping PFSH Can Cost You
Question: I have a claim in front of me that is giving me pause because I cannot de... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Pelvic Sebaceous Cyst
Question: What is the correct diagnosis code for a sebaceous cyst of the hip/pelvic regi... Read more
Pelvic Sebaceous Cyst
Question: What is the correct diagnosis code for a sebaceous cyst of the hip/pelvic regi... Read more
Melanoma:
Including Repair in All Melanoma Codes? Read This First
Are these coding myths causing you to leave up to $300 on the table? Melanoma accounts... Read more
Including Repair in All Melanoma Codes? Read This First
Are these coding myths causing you to leave up to $300 on the table? Melanoma accounts... Read more
ICD-10:
5 FAQs Quell Confusion on CMS's Latest ICD-10 Announcement
The one- year grace period for ICD-10 claims applies to Medicare only. If CMS’s ... Read more
5 FAQs Quell Confusion on CMS's Latest ICD-10 Announcement
The one- year grace period for ICD-10 claims applies to Medicare only. If CMS’s ... Read more
Medicare Pay:
Usher Out SGR Formula - For Good
Expect new quality pay plan(s). You won’t ever have to cross your fingers again ... Read more
Usher Out SGR Formula - For Good
Expect new quality pay plan(s). You won’t ever have to cross your fingers again ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Tag Patient With ABN for Skin Tag Removal
Question: An established patient requested skin tag removal during another service.... Read more
Tag Patient With ABN for Skin Tag Removal
Question: An established patient requested skin tag removal during another service.... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choosing New vs. Established Patient Codes
Question: What is the difference between a new and established patient, for office ... Read more
Choosing New vs. Established Patient Codes
Question: What is the difference between a new and established patient, for office ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Lesion Destruction and Mole Shaving
Question: Our dermatologist destroyed 13 molluscum contagiosums and shaved a 0.4 cm mole... Read more
Lesion Destruction and Mole Shaving
Question: Our dermatologist destroyed 13 molluscum contagiosums and shaved a 0.4 cm mole... Read more
Corticosteroid Injections:
11900-11901 Basics: Keep Your Injection Coding On Point
Our expert answers to your frequently asked steroid questions. Intralesional injection... Read more
11900-11901 Basics: Keep Your Injection Coding On Point
Our expert answers to your frequently asked steroid questions. Intralesional injection... Read more
ICD-10:
Final Countdown: Take 6 Steps to Prepare for October ICD-10 Transition
Tip: Try ‘dual coding’ to exercise your ICD-10 abilities. With no further ... Read more
Final Countdown: Take 6 Steps to Prepare for October ICD-10 Transition
Tip: Try ‘dual coding’ to exercise your ICD-10 abilities. With no further ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Stop Searching for X Modifier Clarification From CMS - For Now
CMS reps say you can stick with modifier 59 for the time being. When new coding direct... Read more
Stop Searching for X Modifier Clarification From CMS - For Now
CMS reps say you can stick with modifier 59 for the time being. When new coding direct... Read more
Compliance:
Avoid PHI Breaches With Mobile Technology
Secure passwords are just the beginning. Chances are good that at least one provider i... Read more
Avoid PHI Breaches With Mobile Technology
Secure passwords are just the beginning. Chances are good that at least one provider i... Read more
Reader Questions:
Provide Documentation Supporting Medical Necessity of Callus Removal
Question: Our dermatologist recently excised a callus on a patient’s foot wit... Read more
Provide Documentation Supporting Medical Necessity of Callus Removal
Question: Our dermatologist recently excised a callus on a patient’s foot wit... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish Facility vs. Non-Facility Fees
Question: Can you please explain whether we should use the facility global fee or t... Read more
Distinguish Facility vs. Non-Facility Fees
Question: Can you please explain whether we should use the facility global fee or t... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Hyperhidrosis
Question: What is the appropriate diagnosis code for hyperhidrosis? Wisconsin Sub... Read more
Hyperhidrosis
Question: What is the appropriate diagnosis code for hyperhidrosis? Wisconsin Sub... Read more
Laceration Repairs:
Don't Let Faulty Coding Cut In to Your Laceration Repair Reimbursement
Find the right answers to these clinical scenarios. Laceration repairs are among the m... Read more
Don't Let Faulty Coding Cut In to Your Laceration Repair Reimbursement
Find the right answers to these clinical scenarios. Laceration repairs are among the m... Read more
ICD-10:
Options Expand for Open Wounds
New diagnosis codes will distinguish which foot and what type of wound it suffered. De... Read more
Options Expand for Open Wounds
New diagnosis codes will distinguish which foot and what type of wound it suffered. De... Read more
Laceration Repairs:
Check the Answers to Our Laceration Repair Scenarios
Hint: Sometimes you can add lengths – and sometimes you can’t. Are you a l... Read more
Check the Answers to Our Laceration Repair Scenarios
Hint: Sometimes you can add lengths – and sometimes you can’t. Are you a l... Read more
Compliance:
MACs to Start Eyeing Your POS Line Items
Place of service errors cost CMS over $33 million. The OIG’s 2015 Work Plan indi... Read more
MACs to Start Eyeing Your POS Line Items
Place of service errors cost CMS over $33 million. The OIG’s 2015 Work Plan indi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Base Tissue Adhesive Code Selection on Payer Preference
Question: If our dermatologist used a tissue adhesive instead of placing a suture, ... Read more
Base Tissue Adhesive Code Selection on Payer Preference
Question: If our dermatologist used a tissue adhesive instead of placing a suture, ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Rely on 'Other' ICD-10 Codes
Question: Though there are many crosswalks between ICD-9 to ICD-10, there are many ... Read more
Don't Rely on 'Other' ICD-10 Codes
Question: Though there are many crosswalks between ICD-9 to ICD-10, there are many ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Multiple Cysts
Question: A patient presents to the office with cysts all over her body. The derma... Read more
Multiple Cysts
Question: A patient presents to the office with cysts all over her body. The derma... Read more
Phototherapy:
Don't Blink on Your Coding for Phototherapy for Skin Disorders
Tip: Consider an E/M code along with the procedure code for re-evaluations of the condit... Read more
Don't Blink on Your Coding for Phototherapy for Skin Disorders
Tip: Consider an E/M code along with the procedure code for re-evaluations of the condit... Read more
ICD-10:
Look to L81 for Expanded Dyschromia Diagnoses
Get ready to describe specific conditions with new codes. Although the diagnosis codin... Read more
Look to L81 for Expanded Dyschromia Diagnoses
Get ready to describe specific conditions with new codes. Although the diagnosis codin... Read more
E/M Coding:
3 Ways Comparative Billing Reports Can Rescue Your Coding
Use the CBRs as springboards to gauge your accuracy. Your MACs are reviewing the most ... Read more
3 Ways Comparative Billing Reports Can Rescue Your Coding
Use the CBRs as springboards to gauge your accuracy. Your MACs are reviewing the most ... Read more
Billing:
These 6 Tips Will Transform Your Accounts Receivables
Coordinate back office and front desk staff to keep cash flow positive. You know you&r... Read more
These 6 Tips Will Transform Your Accounts Receivables
Coordinate back office and front desk staff to keep cash flow positive. You know you&r... Read more
Part B Payment:
Congress Votes to Overhaul Part B Payments
You’ll no longer face potential payment drops at the beginning of each New Year. ... Read more
Congress Votes to Overhaul Part B Payments
You’ll no longer face potential payment drops at the beginning of each New Year. ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Fear ICD-10 Transition
Question: I’ve been told that ICD-10 will be nearly impossible to use because... Read more
Don't Fear ICD-10 Transition
Question: I’ve been told that ICD-10 will be nearly impossible to use because... Read more
Reader Questions:
Focus on Payer Rules Governing 51 Use
Question: I have heard our coders saying that they don’t need to attach modifier 5... Read more
Focus on Payer Rules Governing 51 Use
Question: I have heard our coders saying that they don’t need to attach modifier 5... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Verruca Vulgaris Removal
Question: The physician used a laser to remove five lesions of verruca vulgaris ... Read more
Verruca Vulgaris Removal
Question: The physician used a laser to remove five lesions of verruca vulgaris ... Read more
Lesions:
Excision Confusion Could Cost Your Practice $100
Smooth out these common myths you may encounter while coding for lesion procedures. In... Read more
Excision Confusion Could Cost Your Practice $100
Smooth out these common myths you may encounter while coding for lesion procedures. In... Read more
ICD-10:
Meet the Next Generation of Allergic Contact Dermatitis Dx Codes
Coders who are worried about the expansion of the dermatitis diagnosis codes in ICD-10 t... Read more
Meet the Next Generation of Allergic Contact Dermatitis Dx Codes
Coders who are worried about the expansion of the dermatitis diagnosis codes in ICD-10 t... Read more
Reimbursement:
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule: Watch for Possible April Pay Cut
But an act of Congress can save the day. So far this year, you should be experiencing ... Read more
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule: Watch for Possible April Pay Cut
But an act of Congress can save the day. So far this year, you should be experiencing ... Read more
Compliance:
Watch Out For These HIPAA Trends In 2015
Prediction: State law claims will continue to facilitate breach lawsuits. What does 20... Read more
Watch Out For These HIPAA Trends In 2015
Prediction: State law claims will continue to facilitate breach lawsuits. What does 20... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish Excision, Destruction Procedures
Question: When I have a surgical report for removal of in situ basal cell carcinoma... Read more
Distinguish Excision, Destruction Procedures
Question: When I have a surgical report for removal of in situ basal cell carcinoma... Read more
Reader Questions:
Upfront Collection Is a Per-Practice Decision
Question: Our practice is considering collecting deductibles upfront if a patient n... Read more
Upfront Collection Is a Per-Practice Decision
Question: Our practice is considering collecting deductibles upfront if a patient n... Read more
Reader Questions:
Routinely Reporting E/M With 11721? Think Again
Question: If our dermatologist performs a procedure like the debridement of nails, ... Read more
Routinely Reporting E/M With 11721? Think Again
Question: If our dermatologist performs a procedure like the debridement of nails, ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Complete Pressure Ulcer
Question: An established elderly patient reports to the dermatologist for inspectio... Read more
Complete Pressure Ulcer
Question: An established elderly patient reports to the dermatologist for inspectio... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Can You Clear Up These Wart Removal Coding Challenges?
Check out these scenarios, then check our expert answers. For a patient, a wart can be... Read more
Can You Clear Up These Wart Removal Coding Challenges?
Check out these scenarios, then check our expert answers. For a patient, a wart can be... Read more
ICD-10:
Watch For One-to-One Crossover For Actinic Keratosis With L57.0
Hint: Use same diagnosis code for solar or senile keratosis. When your dermatologist d... Read more
Watch For One-to-One Crossover For Actinic Keratosis With L57.0
Hint: Use same diagnosis code for solar or senile keratosis. When your dermatologist d... Read more
Coding Quiz Answers:
Find Your Wart Removal Solutions
How did you fare with our four wart removal scenarios? Find the answers, and other exper... Read more
Find Your Wart Removal Solutions
How did you fare with our four wart removal scenarios? Find the answers, and other exper... Read more
Medicare Errors:
Let CERT Findings Focus E/M Claims
Avoid key documentation mistakes that cost you pay. Imagine if you lost 10 percent of ... Read more
Let CERT Findings Focus E/M Claims
Avoid key documentation mistakes that cost you pay. Imagine if you lost 10 percent of ... Read more
Reader Question:
Add to Your ICD-10 Know-How
Question: I’ve heard that ICD-10 doesn’t have an equivalent to V codes ... Read more
Add to Your ICD-10 Know-How
Question: I’ve heard that ICD-10 doesn’t have an equivalent to V codes ... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Bill Patient for Records Transfer
Question: Our practice discharged a patient due to non-payment, and one week later ... Read more
Don't Bill Patient for Records Transfer
Question: Our practice discharged a patient due to non-payment, and one week later ... Read more
Reader Question:
Mind Your Global Periods
Question: A patient saw our dermatologist because of an abscess, and returned for a... Read more
Mind Your Global Periods
Question: A patient saw our dermatologist because of an abscess, and returned for a... Read more
Reader Question:
Clear Up Patient Medicare Confusion
Question: We have a patient asking why she has to pay anything when we accept assig... Read more
Clear Up Patient Medicare Confusion
Question: We have a patient asking why she has to pay anything when we accept assig... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Simple Plus Intermediate Repair
Question: A patient presents with a 1.5-cm laceration of the eyebrow, and the derma... Read more
Simple Plus Intermediate Repair
Question: A patient presents with a 1.5-cm laceration of the eyebrow, and the derma... Read more
Neoplasm Coding:
Neoplasms May Be Uncertain, But Your Coding Shouldn't Be
There’s a difference between “uncertain” and “unspecified”... Read more
Neoplasms May Be Uncertain, But Your Coding Shouldn't Be
There’s a difference between “uncertain” and “unspecified”... Read more
ICD-10:
701 Series Ends Up All Over the ICD-10 Map
New diagnosis codes for “other hypertrophic and atrophic conditions of skin”... Read more
701 Series Ends Up All Over the ICD-10 Map
New diagnosis codes for “other hypertrophic and atrophic conditions of skin”... Read more
Reimbursement:
Final Fee Schedule Confirms Phasing Out of Global Periods
Dermatology practices, prepare for a 2 percent cut to Medicare payments. When CMS anno... Read more
Final Fee Schedule Confirms Phasing Out of Global Periods
Dermatology practices, prepare for a 2 percent cut to Medicare payments. When CMS anno... Read more
Billing:
Step Up Your Benefits Verification for the New Year
Don’t leave eligibility checks to the last minute or you’ll face non-payment... Read more
Step Up Your Benefits Verification for the New Year
Don’t leave eligibility checks to the last minute or you’ll face non-payment... Read more
Reader question:
Rely on Intent to Report Skin Lesion Removal Code
Question: If our dermatologist removes a skin lesion by shaving it and we send the ... Read more
Rely on Intent to Report Skin Lesion Removal Code
Question: If our dermatologist removes a skin lesion by shaving it and we send the ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Basal Cell Carcinoma Destruction
Question: Sometimes our surgeon excises in situ basal cell carcinoma, but sometimes... Read more
Basal Cell Carcinoma Destruction
Question: Sometimes our surgeon excises in situ basal cell carcinoma, but sometimes... Read more