Dermatology Coding Alert
Say Goodbye to Your Modifier -59 Woes
This flowchart helps you learn the do's and don'ts of distinct procedural services
If you struggle to keep your bundled codes straight and make sure you report the codes separately or bundled every time, you are not alone.
Suppose your dermatologist performs two procedures, such as an injection (J2001, Injection, lidocaine HCl for intravenous infusion, 10 mg) and a debridement (11000, Debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin; up to 10% of body surface). You look at the National Correct Coding Initiative version 10.2 edits and see that NCCI bundles the two codes together.
So you append modifier -59 (Distinct procedural service) to the bundled code and hope for the best, right? No.
Use this handy tool to help you decide if you should append a modifier at all and the modifier of best choice every time.
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 [...] - 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 [...] - '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 Don\'t assume [...] - Correction
In the reader question \"Tissue Transfer and Repair Codes Complete Your Excision Cases\" in the [...] - 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?
California [...] - 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? [...] - 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 [...] - Follow by Example and Simplify Your Procedure Coding
The fast-paced check-out process in most dermatology practices can cause you to make hasty coding [...] - Clip and Save:
Say Goodbye to Your Modifier -59 Woes
This flowchart helps you learn the do\'s and don\'ts of distinct procedural services
If you struggle [...] - Reader Questions:
Look to 17000 for Plantar Wart Cryotherapy
Question: Which code should I use for cryotherapy treatment of a common or plantar wart [...] - Reader Questions:
No-Show? No Code
Question: We regularly have patients who don\'t show up for their appointments and don\'t tell [...] - Reader Questions:
Use Split-Thickness Codes for Keratinocytes
Question: How should I code for harvesting of keratinocytes for skin grafts?
Texas Subscriber
Answer: The appropriate [...] - Correction
The answer to a reader's question in the September 2005 Dermatology Coding Alert ("Append 59 [...]
