Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
Punch In a Simple Code for Biopsy
Question: I was working on a pathology report that referenced a "punch biopsy." What does this mean? Also, the report states that the diagnosis is melanocytic dysplasia, moderate to severe. Should I code this as a melanoma? Answer: During a "punch biopsy" the physician uses a needle with a claw-like tip to take a sample biopsy of the skin lesion. Report this procedure as 11100 (Biopsy of skin, subcutaneous tissue and/or mucous membrane [including simple closure], unless otherwise listed; single lesion).
Florida Subscriber
For the diagnosis code, you should select from the 216.x series (Benign neoplasm of skin), the fourth digit required for location.
- Answers to Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were provided by Linda L. Lively, MHA, CCS-P, RCC, CHBME, founder and CEO of American Medical Accounting and Consulting in Marietta, Ga.; and Margaret M. Hickey, MS, MSN, RN, OCN, CORLN, an independent oncology coding consultant based in New Orleans.
Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
- HCPCS 2004 Update:
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'Incident-To' Chemotherapy Administration
Question: Can our oncologist bill chemotherapy administration as an incident-to service?
California Subscriber
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Don't Short-Change Your Office on J Code Dose Amounts
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Question: How should I report my oncologist's bone marrow interpretations?
Georgia Subscriber Answer: You should report [...] - Reader Question:
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Question: I heard that Medicare posted the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits on the [...] - Reader Question:
Know When to Use Modifier -25
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Pick 238.4 to Justify Phlebotomy
Question: I've been linking the cancer's ICD-9 code to the oncologist's phlebotomy services and getting [...] - Reader Question:
Ask Private Payers for a -59 Alternative
Question: One of our private payers uses the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits but [...] - Reader Question:
Avoid Audits With 77280
Question: How should I report 77280?
Oklahoma Subscriber Answer: Because payers often audit practices that indiscriminately [...] - Reader Question:
CPT Doesn't Help With Image Fusion
Question: Our physician wants to begin charging for image fusion. Which code should I use? [...] - Reader Question:
Punch In a Simple Code for Biopsy
Question: I was working on a pathology report that referenced a "punch biopsy." What does [...]
