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Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Labial Reduction

Published on Sun Dec 01, 2002

Question: We have two patients who would like labial reduction because of discomfort. What is the proper code for this procedure? Maryland Subscriber Answer: Although there is no specific code for this surgery, there are two possible options. You could code for removal of excessive skin using 15839 (Excision, excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue [including lipectomy]; other area). Or you could report a partial simple vulvectomy (56620, Vulvectomy simple; partial) because the labia are part of the vulva. Some payers, however, may decide that this code should be used only when lesions are involved, while others may accept it for excessive labia. You should ask your carriers which coding method meets their guidelines. The answers for Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were provided by Melanie Witt, RN, CPC, MA, an ob-gyn coding expert based in Fredericksburg, Va.
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