Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Turn to CPT for Lesion Size Coding
Published on Fri Jan 20, 2012 
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Question:
lesion is smaller than 1 cm, we cannot also charge for an intermediate/complex repair
code. I am training new staff and do not see that anywhere in the book. Has this changed over time and I missed it? I don't want to teach the wrong instruction to my staff.
Answer:
The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) holds the answer. The intermediate closures are bundled into 11440 (Excision, other benign lesion including margins, except skin tag [unless listed elsewhere], face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane; excised diameter 0.5 cm or less) for a benign lesion of 0.5 cm or less of the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane. But they are not bundled into 11441 (Excision, other benign lesion including margins, except skin tag [unless listed elsewhere], face,ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane; excised diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm
).Keep in mind that the intermediate closures are not bundled with the malignant lesion excisions of 0.5cm or less.
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