General Surgery Coding Alert

Question: Is there a code for the surgical dressing of a partial-thickness burn?
                                              
Florida Subscriber      
Answer: Medicare and most private carriers already factor supplies such as surgical dressings into the value of debridement codes.
 
Some commercial carriers may accept 99070 (Supplies and materials [except spectacles], provided by the physician over and above those usually included with the office visit or other services rendered [list drugs, trays, supplies, or materials provided]) or A4550 (Surgical trays).
 
These carriers, however, are also likely to require an itemized list of costs and charges. The research involved in determining those costs and charges may cost more than any reimbursement that may be obtained.