Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: An otolaryngologist injects Kenalog into a hemangioma located in the ear canal. Should I use 11900 or 90772?


California Subscriber


Answer: The otolaryngologist in your case injects the corticosteroid into a lesion (a hemangioma is a common benign growth developed from blood vessels). You should report the intralesional injection with 11900 (Injection, intralesional; up to and including seven lesions).

When a physician injects a steroid into the skin or muscle, you should instead use 90772 (Therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic injection [specify substance or drug]; subcutaneous or intramuscular).

In an office, you should also bill for physician-supplied medicine with J3301 (Injection, triamcinolone acetonide, per 10 mg). Answers to You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were  answered/reviewed by Barbara J. Cobuzzi, MBA, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CHCC, director of outreach programs for the American Academy of Professional Coders based in Salt Lake City.