Dermatology Coding Alert
Add Sites Together for Correct Debridement Coding
Question: A patient came to our dermatology practice with infected decubiti on two sites that needed debridement. Can I bill each site separately, and which codes should I bill? Answer: You should report 11000 (Debridement of extensive eczematous or infected skin; up to 10% of body surface). You cannot report the sites separately because this code specifies a certain percentage of body surface. In the case you describe, you should add the area of the two sites together to get the appropriate percentage. Based on that summed area, you can report +11001 (... each additional 10% of the body surface [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) if the dermatologist excised a total area greater than 10 percent.
Maryland Subscriber
Remember: This code is an add-on code, and you can only report it with 11000. If the infected decubiti extend deeper than just the skin or if debridement involved more than just the skin, you might report a code from the 11040-11044 series (Debridement; skin, partial/full thickness, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and bone).
Dermatology Coding Alert
- 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 tests
If you\'ve missed out on [...] - 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 [...] - You Be the Coder:
Lesion or Excision?
Question: We\'re seeing an increase in Medicare denials for destruction of lesions on the face. [...] - Separate Your Documentation To Ease Modifier -25 Claims
To append or not to append? Keep this checklist nearby to lead you to the [...] - NCCI Update:
Dermatology Practices Escape Version 10.3 Edits
October 2004 marks the initiation of the National Correct Coding Initiative version 10.3 edits, but [...] - Billing Corner:
Turn That Copayment Frown Upside Down
Capture your copays by revamping a few in-office protocols
Collecting copays is difficult for any dermatology [...] - Coding Quiz:
Test Your Mohs Coding Knowledge
3 scenarios from our coding experts help you improve your 17304 skills
No dermatology practice [...] - Reader Question:
Watch Closures With Fascia Excisions
Question: Our dermatologist re-excised a melanoma with an area that was 12 cm long and [...] - Reader Question:
Add Sites Together for Correct Debridement Coding
Question: A patient came to our dermatology practice with infected decubiti on two sites that [...] - Reader Question:
Location Gives You the Correct Excision Code
Question: The dermatologist excised and fulgurated a lesion that measured 0.1 cm. He then sent [...] - Reader Question:
Does Destruction Include Cryotherapy? Read On
Question: I am not familiar with histofreezer treatment for skin lesions. Can you tell me [...]
