Dermatology Coding Alert
Minor Changes to Complex Repair Codes for 2014
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Question: Are there any changes to the dermatology CPT codes that we should be aware of for 2014?
Additionally, CPT® has revised codes 13151-13153 (Repair, complex, eyelids, nose, ears and/or lips…).
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Answer: For 2014, CPT® code 13150 (Complex repair of eyelids, nose, ears and/or lips for 1.0 cm or less) has been deleted. The rationale was that so few of these codes were reported annually, only about 2500, that the code was not necessary. A complex repair so small would be hard pressed to meet the CPT® definition of a layered closure requiring debridement and extensive undermining. For complex repairs of less than 1.0 cm, see simple or intermediate repairs.
If doing a wound repair in this area of 1.0 cm or less, use the simple and intermediate repair codes as supported by the documentation. Also, remember that if performing a repair in addition to an excision, simple closure is always bundled into the service and intermediate repair may only be reported for repairs 0.6 cm or larger.
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