Urology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Multiple Diagnoses all Count for Payment

Question: My urologist documented that he performed a release of skin bridges, times three, along with a partial scrotal resection with removal of multiple cysts. He wrote: "The skin bridges were released first with a clamp and then divided with sharp dissection. 7-0 chromic sutures were used to close one incision; Dermabond for the others. We then addressed the scrotal cysts -- one large area with multiple cysts was removed. There were three other cysts isolated. I divided those with a cautery and pulled them up dividing them at the base and closing them with Dermabond." What CPT codes should I use?

North Dakota Subscriber

Answer: You should report 54162 (Lysis or excision of penile post-circumcision adhesions) for the incisions of the penile skin adhesions. Then, use the excision codes 11420-11426 (Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag [unless listed elsewhere], scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia ...), listing each one based on the amount of tissue (circumference) the urologist removed (the lesion size and the surrounding margins).The primary diagnosis should be sebaceous cyst (706.2).

Watch out: You will also have to submit a secondary diagnosis to indicate the reason for the removal. That diagnosis (or diagnoses) could include 695.9 (Other specified erythematous conditions; other), 782.0 (Disturbance of skin sensation),459.0 (Bleeding), or 686.8 (Other specified local infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue). The secondary diagnosis ensures reimbursement from most payers, but be sure the urologist documented the reasons for the excisions and diagnoses in the operative report.

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