September 1, 2009
By:Inga Ellzey
Next to biopsies and the destruction of premalignant lesions, the third most common bread-and-butter service for dermatologists is the destruction of benign lesions (CPT codes 17110 and 17111). In this article, we will discuss the proper use of these codes, rules that govern their use and bundling issues
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June 1, 2009
By:Inga Ellzey
Many revenue dollars are lost each year by dermatology providers because of misinformation they received regarding the coding of excisions and repairs, which came from a misinformed biller/coder in their office, a seminar they attended or information passed on by a colleague.
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December 1, 2008
We recently hired a dermatopathologist to join our group. There are six dermatologists in our practice, and the dermatopathologist will be reading the slides for all the specimens generated from our group.
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October 1, 2008
By:Inga Ellzey
Treating lesions of the vulva, anus and penis is common practice in dermatology, yet many dermatologists misrepresent the CPT code(s), as they are not aware that there are specific codes for some of these areas that have significantly higher allowables.
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April 1, 2008
By:Inga Ellzey
The physician removed a cyst from the patient's right upper back. The cyst measured 5.0 centimeters in diameter, but it was removed through a 0.9 x 3.1 cm/d opening. I billed the excision based on the 5.0 centimeter size. Is that correct? — Looking for an Opening
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September 1, 2007
By:Inga Ellzey
I receive many questions about how to bill for various nail services.
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June 1, 2007
By:Inga Ellzey
Q I know that Medicare has reversed its decision to apply the Multiple Surgery Reduction Rule (MSRR) for Mohs codes retroactive to Jan. 1, 2007. My question is that many of my non-Medicare, commercial carriers are still reducing the Mohs and/or the repair if performed on the same date of service. What can I do to get them to comply with the Medicare rules? — Reduced To Tears
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March 1, 2007
By:Inga Ellzey
The difference in payment between CPT codes 99211 and 99212 is approximately $16. If you undercode this just a couple of times a day, you could lose as much as $8,000 a year.
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February 1, 2007
By:Inga Ellzey
With the introduction of new Mohs codes and changes in the definitions of the destruction codes for premalignant and benign lesions, lots of questions and concerns are being generated from not only physicians but their billing staffs as well.
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