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ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Question:

Tongue Piercing

Published on Tue May 01, 2001

Question: How should we code removal of a tongue piercing?

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: There is no code for such a procedure, and it is likely that only an E/M code (99281-99285) would be used. If an abscess is present (the reason for the removal), that may increase the E/M level.

Depending on the reason for the removal, however, other codes may be appropriate. For example, if there was skin covering the piercing and an incision had to be made to remove it, foreign body removal could be coded 10120* (incision and removal of a foreign body, subcutaneous tissues; simple) or 10121 (... complicated).
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