Primary Care Coding Alert

Question: How should I code for podophyllin treatment of four vaginal warts? We are using 17110* but getting denials.

Kansas Subscriber

Answer: Although 17110* (Destruction [e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement], of flat warts, molluscum contagiosum, or milia; up to 14 lesions) describes the destruction of warts, it is not the most accurate code in your case. In the notes preceding the skin lesion destruction codes, CPT says, "for destruction of lesion[s] in specific anatomic sites see " Use a code for destruction of warts specific to the female genital system. Podophyllin is a chemical treatment that burns off warts (similar to Compound W). While there is no code that specifies podophyllin treatment, it is similar to chemosurgery. Code 56501 (Destruction of lesion[s], vulva; simple [e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery]) is the most appropriate for your case.