Pediatric Coding Alert

Question: A pediatrician removed an extra digit from a newborn’s hand, and removed a skin tag. Should I use the same CPT code for both procedures and different ICD9 Codes ?


Kentucky Subscriber


Answer: Yes. Removal of an extra digit and a skin tag fall under the same CPT code, but different ICD-9 codes.

For the procedures, you should report 11200 (Removal of skin tags, multiple fibrocutaneous tags, any area; up to and including 15 lesions). The code identifies “the use of scissors or any sharp methods, ligature strangulation, electrosurgical destruction or any combination of treatment methods including electrosurgical techniques or the use of chemicals,” according to CPT’s notes on skin tag removal.

Important: Although the pediatrician performs two removals, you should bill 11200 only once. Code 11200 describes removal of up to and including 15 lesions.

You should use two ICD-9 codes from the 740-759 section (Congenital anomalies). For the extra digit or accessory finger, you should report 755.01 (Polydactyly; of fingers). You should list the skin tag diagnosis as 757.39 (Other specified anomalies of skin; other), which includes as an example “accessory skin tags, congenital.”