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Pediatric Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Splinter Removal

Published on Sat Sep 01, 2001

Question: How can we get paid fairly for extra time spent removing a splinter?

Wyoming Subscriber  
Answer: The code for splinter removal is CPT 10120 (incision and removal of foreign body, subcutaneous tissues; simple). If the time required to remove the splinter is excessive, append modifier -22 (unusual procedural services) and provide supporting documentation. Or, bill the higher-level splinter removal code, 10121 (... complicated). Code 10121 is not to be used for removal that takes more time, only for a removal that is more complicated. For example, sometimes a splinter is much deeper than it first appears, in which case 10121 is appropriate.
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