Dermatology Coding Alert
Atypical Moles Reporting Isn't Clear-Cut
PDF
Question: How should I code a dysplastic nevus on the body (trunk)? Answer: Dysplastic nevi, also known as atypical moles (AM), are acquired melanocytic lesions of the skin. AMs differ from common acquired melanocytic nevi in several respects, including diameter and lack of pigment uniformity. You may have also heard these moles called by these names: active junctional nevi, atypical melanocytic nevi, B-K mole, Clark's nevi, dysplastic nevi, and dysplastic mole.
Maryland Subscriber
Although evidence suggests that melanoma can arise directly from AMs, dermatologists consider melanoma a benign neoplasm, and you should code it as such. Code to the specific site in ICD-9-CM category 216.
However, evidence also suggests that patients with a family history of melanoma are at greater risk for the AM to progress into a melanoma. Therefore, for a patient with a family history of melanoma, use V16.8 to indicate that the family history exists.
Dermatology Coding Alert
- Mohs Procedure Update:
Determine Medical or Cosmetic to Avoid Unnecessary Denials
You can earn as much as $550 by reporting wound closure correctly
When you report Mohs [...] - NCCI 10.1 Update:
Latest Edits Will Not Affect Your Dermatology Practice
Dermatologists got another breather on the latest round of National Corrective Coding Initiative edits, version [...] - Use CPT Guidelines to Help You Decipher Wound Repair
4 guidelines to follow to recoup your deserved pay
Use your CPT book to learn the [...] - Documentation Holds the Key for Full Dermatology Pay
Don\'t miss these 4 questions to help you recoup as much as $80
Solid documentation that [...] - You Be The Coder:
Reporting Multiple Procedures
Question: How do I report modifier -51 correctly when I am reporting multiple procedures provided [...] - 3 Tips Decipher Your Distinct and Repeat Procedures
Use modifiers -59, -76 and -77 without throwing a hitch into your pay
When you report [...] - Reader Question:
Atypical Moles Reporting Isn't Clear-Cut
Question: How should I code a dysplastic nevus on the body (trunk)?
Maryland Subscriber Answer: [...] - Reader Question:
Updates Bring Payment for Agents
Question: I hear that the 2004 fee schedule brought about some billing concerns related to [...] - Reader Question:
Use Size, Location to Determine Graft Reporting
Question: The dermatologist treated a burn patient who was receiving a skin graft. The area [...] - Reader Question:
Lesion Excision or Biopsy
Question: When a provider performs a lesion excision or a biopsy and does not know [...]