Wiki Need help coding biopsies

akj

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Please see below. I initially was going to code these four biopsies as 11100 and 11101x3. I then considered the location and thought to bill 69100x4. Please help!

Patient presents for punch biopsy of lesion located on the following sites. He is aware that a scar can occur from this procedure.
Verbal and written consent received.


Lesion 1: left posterior auricle 2mm punch biopsy
Lesion 2: left posterior auricle 2 mm punch biopsy
Lesion 3: left posterior auricle 2 mm punch biopsy
Lesion 4 left posterior auricle 2 mm punch biopsy

Location of lesions was on top but slight posterior on auricle.

This area was prepped twice with betadine and vapocoolant spray.
2% lidocaine was used for anesthesia. A 2 mm punch biopsy, smooth pickups and No. 15 blade on a handle and smooth pickups were used.
The mole was biopsied. Mole will be sent into pathology. Hemostasis was with a small amount of electrocautery at the base and wound edges. The wound was cleansed again. It was then dried. 4 sutures of 4-0 ethilon simple suture were used for closure. The wound was prepped again. Antibiotic ointment and a bandage was applied.

Impression:. Punch biopsy of suspicious mole.

Four punch biopsies measuring 2 mm each were taken to get assessment of this lesion.
 
Your answer is 69100 x 4 - Punch biopsy of the external ear ...The physician uses a scalpel or punch forceps to excise a portion of a lesion on the external ear for diagnostic purposes. Unless the incision is large, a sutured closure is usually unnecessary.

The ICD-9 Procedure code is - 18.12 Biopsy of external ear.

Hope this helps

Kim Graham, CPC, CPC-H :)
 
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