Dermatology Coding Alert
Play by the Rules When Billing for Dermabrasion
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Question: How should I code for dermabrasion and get reimbursed? - Answers to You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Linda Howrey, BS, CCS-P, Howrey and Associates in Princeton, Mass.
Virginia Subscriber
Answer: Coding for dermabrasion is based on the location and the size of the area. A powered rotary instrument is used to "sand down" or smooth scarred or wrinkled areas. This procedure lowers raised lesions or thins tissue to regenerate skin with a smoother appearance.
Use code 15780 (Dermabrasion; total face [e.g., for acne scarring, fine wrinkling, rhytids, general keratosis]) for the total face, 15781 (... segmental, face) for a segment of the face, and 15782 (... regional, other than face) for regional dermabrasion of an area other than the face. Use 15783 (... superficial, any site [e.g., tattoo removal]) for a superficial site, such as a tattoo.
Note: An assistant-at-surgeon fee is payable with 15780 but requires documentation. These codes have 90 days of follow-up care. If the dermatologist provides additional services within those 90 days, you will need modifiers to get those services paid.
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Play by the Rules When Billing for Dermabrasion
Question: How should I code for dermabrasion and get reimbursed?
Virginia Subscriber
Answer: Coding for dermabrasion is [...]