General Surgery Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Call on G Code for Dermabond

Question: Which code should I use to report Dermabond? I know the status indicator for G0168 changed for 2005, but does the code describe a procedure or a supply?


Arkansas Subscriber


Answer: The status indicator of G0168 (Wound closure utilizing tissue adhesive[s] only) is now -N,- meaning it represents an incidental service. This means you can report the code, but you won't receive any reimbursement for it.
 
According to CMS, wound adhesives are now considered supplies used for laceration repair, so their costs are packaged into the procedures- costs.

Technical and coding advice for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions provided by Marcella Bucknam, CPC, CCS, CPC-H, CCS-P, HIM program coordinator at Clarkson College in Omaha, Neb.

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