bjrepar
Contributor
If a provider documents that they used a punch biopsy and removed 4 lesions and only 3 were sent for path, how would you code the other lesion that the provider is calling an SK.
-
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 Punch biopsy
- Thread starter bjrepar
- Start date
Texascoder64
Guru
If the punch was to remove the nevus/lesion and assuming that the punch almost always goes through the full thickness of the dermis into the fat - then you would select a 114xx since it was an SK
If you only took a sample to determine what it was - then refer to 11100
If you only took a sample to determine what it was - then refer to 11100
mitchellde
True Blue
If the punch removed the entire lesion, then it is not a biopsy. A punch is designed to go full thickness so it is an excision. An excision cannot be coded without a path report since the only options are malignant or benign excision codes, and you are not to assume.
If it is a removal of only a piece of a lesion then it is a biopsy and you may use skin lesion for the dx code. If you look under lesion, then skin it will lead you to L98.9
If it is a removal of only a piece of a lesion then it is a biopsy and you may use skin lesion for the dx code. If you look under lesion, then skin it will lead you to L98.9
bjrepar
Contributor
Thank you very much