One of our physicians remove seven lesions- all around the lips, temple, eyelids, and nose. When the path report came back, three were malignant and four were benign. Is it ok to bill, example, 11442 for benign and 11642 for malignant with a modifier 59?
-
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten your username or password use our password reminder tool. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..
Wiki crazy derm question :)
- Thread starter BABS37
- Start date
nsteinhauser
Expert
If the surgeon removed 7 separate lesions through 7 separate incisions, provided none of them were 'shaved' or 'biopsied,' you would list 7 separate codes - either 114xx or 116xx codes, depending on their sizes and pathology. You don't combine excision of lesion codes. (You can combine intermediate or complex closure codes if from the same classification and anatomic site, if applicable.) But maybe that isn't what you're asking?
It's all wrong anyway. The office visit said e malignant face lesions and four benign face lesions. I found the path report instead. What the physician billed out isn't at all what was done. She actually did thee separate shavings and 4 excisions scattered around from the chin to the forehead so that changes everything. 