Dermatology Coding Alert
You Be the Coder:
Skin Rash With Unknown Cause
Published on Sun Dec 02, 2012 
PDF
PDF
Question:
Virginia Subscriber
Answer:
There are several possibilities for coding the unknown skin rash. More information from the physician will help to identify the best choice. When deciding the most appropriate code, consider 782.1 (Rash and other nonspecific skin eruption) with 782.0 (Disturbance of skin sensation) to indicate itching or burning.If the rash is further identified, you may consider selections from category 692.x (
Contact dermatitis and other eczema). This category includes "Dermatitis: Not Otherwise Specified (NOS), contact, occupational, venenata"; and "Eczema (acute or chronic): NOS, allergic, erythematous, occupational."You must also use a fourth or fifth character with this category, which excludes certain types of dermatitis.
You may also consider these codes: allergy NOS (995.3), contact dermatitis of eyelids (373.32), dermatitis due to substances taken internally (693.0-693.9), eczema of external ear (380.22), perioral dermatitis (695.3), or urticarial reactions (708.0-708.9, 995.1).
Other Articles in this issue of
Dermatology Coding Alert
- Lesion removals:
Don't Marginalize Your Lesion Removal Reimbursement
Calculating the lesion size incorrectly can cost more than $30 each time. Lesion excision codes [...] - ICD-10:
Look for Close Malignant Skin Neoplasm Crosswalk
Melanoma and more report to different codes. Not a lot will change once you start [...] - Your ICD-10 Transition Plan Should Encompass 6 Phases,
A working budget should include every aspect of planning, including productivity training. You may have [...] - Payer Pointers:
Learn the Ropes of 5 Common Audits Your Practice May Face
Understanding several types of audits can help your practice prepare. If you are getting confused [...] - You Be the Coder:
Skin Rash With Unknown Cause
Question: We recently treated a patient for a skin rash that seemed to be an [...] - Compliance:
Watch For Extra Scrutiny of Your Incident-To Billing, E/M Coding, and More
Pay attention to where the OIG will focus to ensure your practice isn't throwing up [...] - Reader Question:
Start With 948 for Burn Dx
Question: Our dermatologist treats burn victims, and I'm wondering about diagnosis coding in these cases. [...] - Reader Question:
medical, assistant, E/M, codes
Question: One of our physicians allows his medical assistant to choose his E/M codes. The [...]
View All