Dermatology Coding Alert
Use Neoplasm Dx for Smooth Dermabrasion
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Question: How should I code for CO2 laser dermabrasion to treat a basal cell carcinoma?
Pennsylvania Subscriber
Answer: Report CPT code 15780 (Dermabrasion; total face [e.g., for acne scarring, fine wrinkling, rhytids, general keratosis]), 15781 (... segmental, face), 15782 (... regional, other than face) or 15783 (... superficial, any site) for a dermabrasion procedure.
To show that the procedure is medically necessary, link the CPT code to an ICD-9 code from the 173.0-173.9 series (Other malignant neoplasm of skin). Pick the code from that series that represents the site of the carcinoma.
Warning: Most carriers consider dermabrasion procedures to be cosmetic and will only reimburse you for them under certain medical circumstances. For example, Aetna states that it considers dermabrasion - whether by dermaplaning or CO2 laser - medically necessary "for removal of superficial basal cell carcinomas and pre-cancerous actinic keratoses" only when you meet two criteria:
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Use Neoplasm Dx for Smooth Dermabrasion
Question: How should I code for CO2 laser dermabrasion to treat a basal cell carcinoma?
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