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Urology Coding Alert

CPT 2010 Update:

Easily Differentiate Revised Back and Flank Excision Codes Using 3 Questions

Published on Fri Nov 27, 2009

Several new codes offer more specifics about the type of tumor your urologist removed. CPT Codes 2010 offers several new tumor removal codes your urologist might use if he treats back, flank, or abdominal wall tumors -- but you'll need solid documentation from your urologist to choose the right code. Dig into the details of the new codes with this expert rundown. Check the Documentation for Important New Details The codes are characterized according to size, location, depth, and malignancy, says Michael A. Ferragamo, MD, FACS, clinical assistant professor of urology at the State University of New York in Stony Brook. You'll choose the excision code based on the following criteria: 1. Is the excision a radical excision -- in other words, is the tumor malignant? 2. Is the tumor located subcutaneously, subfascial, intramuscular, or deeper? 3. What is the size of the tumor removed? Existing codes 21930 (Excision, tumor, [...]
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