Dermatology Coding Alert
Multiple Lesions, Multiple Fingers
Question: Our dermatologist excised masses in three different areas: one deep in the right thumb, one deep in the left index finger, and one deep in the left ring finger. Would I code 26115 three times?
Texas Subscriber
Answer: Yes, you should be able to report CPT® code 26115 (Excision, tumor or vascular malformation, soft tissue of hand or finger, subcutaneous; less than 1.5 cm) three times, if the masses were each under 1.5 cm. Append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to two of the lines to indicate they were separate procedures.
Depending on your carrier’s preference, you may also need to append a modifier indicating which fingers were operated on:
The “second digit” is the index finger, and the “fifth digit” is the pinky. So in your case, report:
Dermatology Coding Alert
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