Advanced Search

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Second Excision

Published on Tue Jan 01, 2002

Question: The otolaryngologist excises a skin lesion that returns from the pathology lab as positive for basal cell carcinoma with a positive margin. The lesion is re-excised during the global period of the original excision. How should the second incision be coded to obtain payment?

New Mexico Subscriber  
Answer: If the excision takes place on a different day, the second excision is paid separately. The second excision is considered a staged procedure, despite the fact that it occurred during the global period of the first excision. Therefore, modifier -58 (staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period) should be appended to the appropriate excision of malignant lesion code. If the re-excision occurs on the same day, only the final excision should be billed.
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

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

View All