Dermatology Coding Alert
Use NOS Codes to Report Unknown Skin Rashes
Question: We recently treated a patient for a skin rash that seemed to be an allergic reaction to some unknown cause. Which diagnosis code should we use? Answer: There are several possibilities for coding the unknown skin rash. More information from the physician will help to identify the best choice. When deciding the most appropriate code, consider these options:
Virginia Subscriber
You may consider selections from category 692.x (Contact dermatitis and other eczema). This category includes "Dermatitis: Not Otherwise Specified (NOS), contact, occupational, venenata"; and "Eczema (acute or chronic): NOS, allergic, erythematous, occupational."
You must also use a fourth or fifth digit with this category, which excludes certain types of dermatitis.
You may also consider these codes: allergy NOS (995.3), contact dermatitis of eyelids (373.32), dermatitis due to substances taken internally (693.0-693.9), eczema of external ear (380.22), perioral dermatitis (695.3), or urticarial reactions (708.0-708.9, 995.1).
Dermatology Coding Alert
- 3 Questions to Help You Improve Your Botox Injection Pay
Keep track of your toxin units If your dermatology practice is using botulinum toxin (Botox) [...] - 4 Easy Steps to Help You Select the Right Skin Graft Code
Don\'t let confusion over the 20 skin graft codes get you down. Here are four [...] - Know Your EMG Codes
Your dermatologist may use electromyographic guidance (EMG) during Botox injections to ensure the proper needle [...] - How Accurate Is Your Wound Repair Coding?
A simple checklist helps you collect your pay You can improve your wound repair reimbursement [...] - You Be the Coder:
Excision Requires Full-Thickness Graft
Question: The dermatologist excises a basal cell carcinoma tumor from a patient\'s nasal tip. He [...] - Code Separately for Warts and Spare Your Reimbursement
Billing only once for wart destruction could be costing your practice big money. You can [...] - News You Can Use:
New Conversion Factor Gives Your Practice a Pay Raise
According to CMS\' Dec. 24 transmittal, Medicare\'s new conversion factor stands at 37.3374.
The new [...] - Reader Question:
Use G0168 for Dermabond Repairs
Question: Can I report G0168 when I use Dermabond for a simple laceration repair?
Florida Subscriber
Answer: [...] - Reader Question:
Report Collagen Skin Tests With Q3031
Question: A patient came to us for her first collagen injections. The dermatologist performed a [...] - Reader Question:
Use NOS Codes to Report Unknown Skin Rashes
Question: We recently treated a patient for a skin rash that seemed to be an [...] - Reader Question:
Play by the Rules When Billing for Dermabrasion
Question: How should I code for dermabrasion and get reimbursed?
Virginia Subscriber
Answer: Coding for dermabrasion is [...]
