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External Cause codes used for Dermatology

Hello,
I’m looking to understand why my new employer listed External Codes (S00.00XA) primary, (Z08) secondary and then (Z85.828), when a patient is coming in with new lesions and also for F/U for personal hx of malignant neoplasm of skin. I’m not understanding why the external code usage? I would only use the Z08/Z85.828 for the E/M charge line.

Thoughts?
Thank you in advance!

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Dermatology- Is this area considered the LIPS or the FACE?

Hello,
Looking for clarification on this location please.
When coding dx and procedures on the area of skin directly under the nose, not touching the actual lip or lip border at all, is this still considered the "upper lip" or "other part of face?"
I know code choices will differ depending on what location this falls under.

Thank you in advance for your response.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Dermatology E/M Level concern

I started an audit and I have provider who keeps billing a 99214 w/69100, but per documentation I’m leaning more to a 99213, can someone verify with me please?? Having concerns in the Physical exam where it looks more of a expanded exam instead of a detailed exam and missing to put location of where the findings are located. HELP please!

SUBJECTIVE:
History of Present Illness:
xxxxx is a 68 y.o. male is seen today for follow up skin exam.
Hx of NMSC, AK.
Rough spots on nose; rough bumps on feet.
*
————————————————————————–
REVIEW OF SYSTEMS:
SKIN: No other new or changing moles.
HEME/LYMPH: No new or enlarging lumps or bumps.
*

————————————————————————–
*
OBJECTIVE:
GEN: appears well groomed; alert; oriented; pleasant
SKIN: Detailed exam of scalp, face including lids and lips, ears, neck, chest, abdomen, back, buttocks, upper and lower extremities including digits completed and are normal except:
1. Left antihelix- erythem macule -Ear
2. AKs nose
3. Stucco keratoses ankles/feet
4. Nevi – missing location
5. SKs – missing location
6. Angiomas – missing location
*
————————————————————————–
ASSESSMENT/PLAN:
*
1. BCC/SCC(ears). Discussed tx options and risks. Shave biopsy of the lesion noted above to confirm diagnosis. The procedure, risks, benefits, alternatives and expected outcomes were discussed with the patient and consent was obtained. Patient identified, procedure verified, site identified and verified. Patient and staff present in agreement. Area prepped with alcohol and anesthetized using 1% lidocaine. Shave of lesion performed. Base cauterized and bandaging applied. Specimen sent to pathology. Patient instructed in routine post-op care.
*
2. AKs. Discussed tx options and risks. He prefers efudex- apply bid x 3 weeks; reviewed how to use, sun protection, toxic to pets.
*
3. Stucco keratoses. Discussed tx options and risks. Benign. Am lactin cream.
*
4. Nevi. Discussed tx options and risks. Stable per pt; ABCDEs reviewed. Rec self exams and call with concerns.
*
5. SKs. Discussed tx options and risks. Benign. Asymptomatic. Reassurance. Call with concerns.
*
6. Angiomas. Discussed tx options and risks. Benign. Asymptomatic. Reassurance. Call with concerns.
*
Discussed the signs and symptoms of skin cancers as well as reviewed sun protection.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Lipoma Coding in a Dermatology practice vs General Surgery

I used to work for General Surgeons, so I am familiar with the soft tissue excision codes from the musculoskeletal part of the CPT book, but I am now coding for Dermatology, and am trying to determine at what depth, is it appropriate to stay in the benign lesion excision area versus when to hop on over to the 2xxxx M/S soft tissue codes. I know the M/S codes say subcutaneous or subfascial, and in the Dermatology practice I’m coding for we are excising these from the subcutaneous tissue, but from the documentation it sounds like it is superficial sub Q, and there is rarely a layered closure.. Will any payers allow the M/S codes to be used in a POS 11? When I coded for General Surgery, these patients were taken to an ASC to have these removed. At the Dermatology practice, they are removing them in our surgical suite with local anesthetic, but it is still POS 11. Our newest PA is also inquiring whether she can bill a first assist for lipoma surgery It is allowed on the M/S codes usually, but only on the larger 114xx codes. Thoughts anyone?

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Modifier for Dermatology Excisions and Repairs being billed together

As a general rule, and I correct in using -51 on the Excision code when both procedures are billed together in the same visit? Or should it be -59? I’ve been told either, but that doesn’t seem correct. Thanks for your help!! :)

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Counting skin exam elements, Dermatology

Hello,
We are having a debate after an audit and need clarification on counting elements of a skin exam- 97 guidelines.

In order to count "head, including face" (as listed on the specialty skin exam) Can just the face be examined for your 1 point, or does it have to document BOTH the head AND face were examined in order to get the 1 bullet point.
Same question for "Chest, including breasts and axilla"–Can the chest alone be examined, and count for your 1 point, or do all 3 of those areas need to be examined in order to get the 1 bullet point?

Example- chest, arms and legs were examined. Can the chest count as 1 point, or not at all because breasts and axilla are not listed.

Any clarification is appreciated!

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

New patient dermatology skin check no hpi (help!)

I cannot get an HPI for the life of me. Can family history of melanoma be counted as context for the below information gathered?

Chief Complaint: Mole Check

HPI: This is a 15 year old male who has a family history of melanoma, and is here for mole check. Pertinent negatives include: no previous history of skin cancer.

ROS and PFSH recorded. Patient had a detailed exam along with biopsies of 2 lesions examined on left arm and assessment of dysplastic nevus to right upper back with counseling and solar lentigines with counseling. I can get 2 of 3 from this visit but I know I need 3 of 3 for new patient.

Can family history be counted as context? Otherwise, can this be down coded to an established to meet at least the 2 of 3 for an established patient.

Any information will be appreciated. I have searched everywhere for answers.:(

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

E/M Dermatology 99212, 99213

We have had some difference of opinon on how to bill out the E&M lately with new drs on staff vs drs that have been here for years. Generally patient comes in here for a Full Skin exam which may or may not result in some biopsies but mostly the only other things notes are SK’s and maybe Acne or something. What level would most of you see?

Also in the case of patient presenting with Alopecia dr looks it over perscribes medcine or treatment plan patient goes home?

All notes are very basic and straightforward

thanks

Medical Billing and Coding Forum