Question: What is the procedural code for destruction of warts? Do I have to document it as being inflamed or irritated? What's the diagnosis code then?
Colorado Subscriber
Answer: Removing warts falls under the destruction of benign lesions, thus you should code 17110 (Destruction [e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement], of benign lesions other than skin tags or cutaneous vascular lesions; up to 14 lesions).
Don't overlook: Your physician's documentation should indicate medical necessity for removing the warts.
As for the ICD-9 code, you have a few options: for itching, 698.9 (Unspecified pruritic disorder); for unspecified erythematous conditions, 695.9 (Other specified erythematous conditions; other); and for disturbance of skin sensation, 782.0 (Disturbance of skin sensation).
