Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Growth characteristics, size, and depth give handy clues to accurate coding. If your payer consistently denies claims you submit for foot tumor excisions, perhaps you should be using a lesion debridement, lesion shaving, or lesion excision code instead. Many coders erroneously report lesion debridement or excision as foot tumor procedures, said John P. Heiner, MD, of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) Coding, Coverage, and Reimbursement Committee at the CPT and RBRVS 2010 Annual Symposium in Chicago. The confusion apparently stems from a lack of understanding of the differences between the two conditions, and the corresponding codes for shaving, excision, and resection methods. Here are a few pointers to help you pin the codes down and avoid future denials: Depth of Removal is Key Podiatrists treat lesions in one of several ways: debridement, shaving, or excision. To distinguish among the procedures, you must consider how deep the podiatrist must [...]