Question: How should I report removal of old sutures of the penis? The patient is a little boy who was circumcised at three-days-old, but was five at the time of the suture removal.
Indiana Subscriber
Answer: The answer depends on where the suture removal took place.
If your urologist removed the sutures under anesthesia in the operating room, report 15851 (Removal of sutures under anesthesia [other than local], other surgeon).
Alternative: If he performed the procedure in the office, bill the appropriate E/M service for the office encounter. Do no bill separately for the suture removal.