Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Careful: Skip over codes for legs and zero in on foot codes.

With the many graft options -- including those taken from cadavers, pigs, and newborns -- correctly coding a skin graft procedure can leave you guessing. Use this chart to narrow down the grafting field by matching definitions, product names, and treatment applications to CPT codes. Then, you'll be sure to sail through coding your next graft claim.

Don't miss: Nothing will get your claim denied faster than using a CPT code not linked to the diagnosis code. Thus, take care to avoid CPT codes for other body areas, such as the legs, which are generally listed above the code for the feet for each type of graft. Below, you will find only CPT codes that you can use to report grafts performed on feet.

Note: Be sure to periodically review the payer's local coverage determination to ensure your office is in compliance for your state or region.

Remember: Site preparation, lesion excision, and supply (HCPCS) codes may also apply for these services (in addition to the above listed CPT codes). Look in future issues for more on coding skin graft services, and send your questions to the editor at stacieb@inhealthcare.com.

-- Information in chart provided by Khurram H. Khan, DPM, assistant professor in the division of medical sciences at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City and Annette Grady, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CCS-P, compliance auditor at The Coding Network and executive officer on the AAPC's National Advisory Board. Additional information from "Advances in Skin & Wound Care," The Journal for Prevention and Healing, 2001, Vol. 14, No. 1.