Dermatology Coding Alert
Use Neoplasm Dx for Smooth Dermabrasion
Question: How should I code for CO2 laser dermabrasion to treat a basal cell carcinoma?
Pennsylvania Subscriber
Answer: Report CPT code 15780 (Dermabrasion; total face [e.g., for acne scarring, fine wrinkling, rhytids, general keratosis]), 15781 (... segmental, face), 15782 (... regional, other than face) or 15783 (... superficial, any site) for a dermabrasion procedure.
To show that the procedure is medically necessary, link the CPT code to an ICD-9 code from the 173.0-173.9 series (Other malignant neoplasm of skin). Pick the code from that series that represents the site of the carcinoma.
Warning: Most carriers consider dermabrasion procedures to be cosmetic and will only reimburse you for them under certain medical circumstances. For example, Aetna states that it considers dermabrasion - whether by dermaplaning or CO2 laser - medically necessary "for removal of superficial basal cell carcinomas and pre-cancerous actinic keratoses" only when you meet two criteria:
Dermatology Coding Alert
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Use Neoplasm Dx for Smooth Dermabrasion
Question: How should I code for CO2 laser dermabrasion to treat a basal cell carcinoma?
Pennsylvania [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Include Lesion Removal in Tissue Transfer
Question: If the dermatologist performs an adjacent tissue transfer, can I also code for a [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
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Question: What is the difference between facility and nonfacility relative value units (RVUs)?
Kansas Subscriber
Answer: CMS [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Apply HCPCS Code to AVA Cream
Question: When the dermatologist performs photodynamic therapy, can I code separately for the Levulan Kerastick? [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Place Modifier 59 on Bundled Code
Question: How do I determine which code to append modifier 59 to?
New Jersey Subscriber
Answer: [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Downcode to Documented Component Levels
Question: The chart that we use to select the level of history includes identifiers. For [...]
