Advanced Search

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Use 15839 for Excess Skin Excision

Published on Fri Aug 01, 2003

Question: The doctor performed a partial excision of the left labia minora for hypertrophy. How should I report this?

Kentucky Subscriber Answer: Although you may be tempted to use 56620 (Vulvectomy, simple; partial), this may not be your best choice. The payer may not accept 624.3 (Hypertrophy of labia) as an acceptable diagnosis for a vulvectomy.

Instead, you should report 15839 (Excision, excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue [including lipectomy]; other area) because it more precisely describes the procedure. This code also has a higher relative value than 56620 (15839 has 9.38 physician work relative value units while 56620 has 7.47, according to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule).
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

View All