Dermatology Coding Alert

How much do you really know about patch tests and scratch tests?

Skin allergy tests make up a healthy portion of a typical dermatology practice’s work. For successful coding and billing, it’s critical for you to understand the tests and all of the components, experts say, or you could face a rash of denials.

Test your knowledge of dermatitis tests here, then read on to see how your answers compare with our experts’.

Question 1: A dermatologist tests a patient for reactions to ragweed, oak, maple, penicillin, dust mites, and bees. What CPT® code(s) would you report, and how many units?

A. 95004 x 1
B. 95004 x 6
C. 95018 x 6
D. 95004 x 4, 95017 x 1, 95018 x 1

Question 2: A dermatologist examines an established patient with a history of recurrent dermatitis. He performs an expanded problem focused examination of the affected areas, diagnoses unspecified contact dermatitis, and decides to apply a patch test with 24 possible allergens. How would you report this initial visit?

A. 99213 x 1
B. 95044 x 1
C. 99213-25 x 1, 95044 x 24
D. 99213-25 x 1, 95044 x 1

Question 3: After 48 hours, the dermatologist in the scenario in Question 2 discovers that natural rubber latex caused a strong positive reaction. During a 25-minute visit, he spends 15 minutes counseling the patient on avoiding the allergen. How would you report this follow-up visit?

A. 99214 x 1
B. 99214-25 x 1, 95044 x 1
C. 99214-25 x 1, 95044 x 24
D. 99214 x 24, 95044 x 24

Question 4: Starting Oct. 1, 2015, which ICD-10 code would you use to report allergic contact dermatitis due to an unspecified cause?

A. 692.9
B. L23.8
C. L23.89
D. L23.9