Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Choose 17000-17250 for CO2 Laser Ablation of Facial Carcinoma
Question: How do we code for CO2 laser ablation of carcinoma in situ of the face? Would it be appropriate to use a dermabrasion code such as 15781 if the operative note is dictated as “C02 laser ablation of carcinoma in situ of the face (not full face-segmental)?”
Answer: Report the procedure with the appropriate destruction code from the 17000-17250 (Destruction [e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement], premalignant lesions [e.g., actinic keratoses] …) series, depending upon the exact symptom(s).
Remember: Coding for dermabrasion is based on the location and the size of the area treated. A powered rotary instrument is used to “sand down” or smooth scarred or wrinkled areas. This procedure lowers raised lesions or thins tissue to regenerate skin with a smoother appearance.
Use code 15780 (Dermabrasion; total face [e.g., for acne scarring, fine wrinkling, rhytids, general keratosis]) for the total face, 15781 (... segmental, face) for a segment of the face, and 15782 (... regional, other than face) for regional dermabrasion of an area other than the face. Report 15783 (... superficial, any site [e.g., tattoo removal]) for a superficial site, such as a tattoo.
Codify Subscriber
Otolaryngology Coding Alert
- Nosebleeds:
Understanding Extent of Repair Points You to 30901
Payoff: Difference in care could add hundreds to your bottom line. A patient sees your [...] - Diagnosis Coding:
Follow 3 Easy Steps to Pinpoint the Best Diagnosis Every Time
Signs and symptoms may be your best — or only – choice. Your first step [...] - Reimbursement:
Prepare for Steep Pay Cuts If Proposed 2014 Fee Schedule Flies
Bright side: Bonuses for non-face-to-face services for some patients could come in 2015. The proposed [...] - ICD-10:
Acute Sinusitis Follows 1-to-1 Switch in October 2014
Tip: Watch for comorbidities or other conditions you can report. Currently, when the otolaryngologist reports [...] - You Be the Coder:
Can You Append Modifier 50 to 31231?
Question: My doctor says that we can bill 31231 as bilateral without a modifier. Is [...] - Reader Question:
Choose 17000-17250 for CO2 Laser Ablation of Facial Carcinoma
Question: How do we code for CO2 laser ablation of carcinoma in situ of the [...] - Reader Question:
Append Modifier 22 for Pediatric Thyroidectomy
Question: My surgeon believes there should be a specific code for pediatric thyroidectomy and that [...] - Reader Question:
Diagnosis 528.9 Applies to Elongated Uvula
Question: I’m searching for an ICD-9 code for an elongated uvula. The surgeon completed a [...] - Reader Question:
31540 Works for Larygoscopy With Papilloma Ablation
Question: How should I code for direct laryngoscopy with laser ablation of a papilloma? - Reader Question:
Related Debridement Is Not Part of Septoplasty
Question: Are there any rules for billing or not billing a 31237-58 during the global [...] - Reader Question:
31622 Plus 31830 Cover Trach Revision Flap With New Tube
Question: A tracheotomy-dependent patient has been seeing our otolaryngologist for more than a year. During [...]
