Dermatology Coding Alert
Use NOS Codes to Report Unknown Skin Rashes
Question:
Virginia Subscriber
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: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
- CCI 16.3Update:
Include Wound Repair in Free-Flap Grafts or Risk Denials
Also: Watch for new debridement and recipient site prep bundles.If you're in the habit of [...] - Diagnosis Coding:
Eliminate 'Uncertain Behavior' Confusion With Expert Tips on 238.2 Use
Hint: Wait for the path report to avoid payer scrutiny.If you always use diagnosis code [...] - Documentation:
Watch Out: Nurse's History Note Might Be Audit Bait
The physician must indicate that he reviewed any nurse's notes.Warning: Don't let your nurses do [...] - Get to Know Signature Requirements
On June 16, CMS updated its signature requirements, outlining the rules that you must follow [...] - You Be the Coder:
Live Tick Removal
Question: How should I submit the following claim: A patient with a tick embedded in [...] - Reader Questions:
15788 Takes the Burn Out of Chemical Peel Pay
Question: Our dermatologist used glycolic acid to remove actinic keratoses from around a patient's eyes [...] - Reader Questions:
Use NOS Codes to Report Unknown Skin Rashes
Question: We recently treated a patient for a skin rash that seemed to be an [...] - Reader Questions:
Stop Omitting 25 Because of Same Dx
Question: I was recently told in a class that you do not need different diagnosis [...] - Reader Questions:
50 Percent Is the Modifier 22 Rule of Thumb
Question: If the physician states a large area was debrided and the debridement codes are [...] - Reader Questions:
Include Prescription Writing In E/M
Question: I heard that there's a code we can bill to indicate when our dermatologist [...]
