Base lesion size on largest dimension — whether length, width or depth
Apr 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
Polishing up on coding parameters
Sep 1, 2007
By:
Inga Ellzey
|
I receive many questions about how to bill for various nail services.
Commercial carriers need not comply, so you may want to consider your options
Jun 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
Mar 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.
Navigating murky 2007 coding waters
Feb 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.
Capitalize on benefits, while quelling future reductions
Jan 1, 2007
By:
John Jesitus
|
But when it comes to 17000 and Mohs codes, used almost exclusively by dermatologists, Dr. Pariser says, "We have no one with whom to form alliances. We're stuck out on our own."
How the multiple surgery reduction rule works
Jan 1, 2007
By:
Inga Ellzey
|
Although the CPT coding changes affecting dermatology for 2007 were not numerous, they were some of the most significant ever.
Dec 1, 2006
By:
Inga Ellzey
|
Q A patient had a biopsy and the pathology report showed the lesion to be a basal cell carcinoma. We schedule the patient back for an excision. We sent the excision tissue out again. The final pathology came back showing no residual cancer cells; only scar tissue.
Nov 1, 2006
By:
Inga Ellzey
|
I do a lot of complicated skin cancer repairs and I have never really been very sure of the correct way to code for this particular type of closure: the purse string repair. I have spoken with several of my colleagues and everyone seems to be coding this differently. I have also scoured the CPT book with no real hints at what I should code. What do you think?
