Primary Care Coding Alert

Snag $100 more for removal from foot -- Codify shows you how.If you automatically look to 10120 when your FP removes a tick, splinter, or other foreign body from a patient's foot, you could be forfeiting almost $100 per claim.Better: You won't shortchange your physicians on foreign body removal (FBR) provided you follow these guidelines.1. Before Using 10120, Check for IncisionDon't assume foreign body removal is a shoe-in for CPT integumentary section code 10120 (Incision and removal of foreign body, subcutaneous tissues; simple). The code requires incision. This can be, for example, a needle to remove a splinter or a scalpel to remove a glass shard. Hint: Look for a sharp object when considering 10120. If the documentation doesn't include this detail, use an E/M service code (such as 99201-99215, Office or Other Outpatient Services) instead of the skin FBR code.2. Rule Out Site-Specific Code Using 2 DetailsCPT contains higher paying [...]