ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Questions:

Use Modifiers to Nail Debridement/Avulsion Coding

Question: When the provider performs nail debridement or avulsion, how do I code for it? Does it matter if the provider treats fingernails or toenails, from a coding perspective?

Georgia Subscriber

Answer: You’ll choose from the following codes for nail debridement or avulsion, depending on encounter specifics:

  • 11720 (Debridement of nail(s) by any method(s) 1 to 5)
  • 11721 (… 6 or more)
  • 11730 (Avulsion of nail plate, partial or complete, simple; single)
  • +11730 (… each additional nail plate (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure))

Modifier alert: Depending on the anatomy of the debridement/ avulsion, use the following modifiers, as appropriate:

  • F1 (Left hand, second digit)
  • F2 (Left hand, third digit)
  • F3 (Left hand, fourth digit)
  • F4 (Left hand, fifth digit)
  • F5 (Right hand, thumb)
  • F6 (Right hand, second digit)
  • F7 (Right hand, third digit)
  • F8 (Right hand, fourth digit)
  • F9 (Right hand, fifth digit)
  • FA (Left hand, thumb)
  • F1 (Left hand, second digit)
  • F2 (Left hand, third digit)
  • F3 (Left hand, fourth digit)
  • F4 (Left hand, fifth digit)
  • F5 (Right hand, thumb)
  • F6 (Right hand, second digit)
  • F7 (Right hand, third digit)
  • F8 (Right hand, fourth digit)
  • F9 (Right hand, fifth digit).


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