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Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Know Terminology for Skin Codes

Published on Tue Apr 10, 2007

Question: What is the proper CPT code when the pathologist examines an excised acrochordon?


Illinois Subscriber
Answer: An acrochordon is a pendulous outgrowth of dermal tissue commonly seen around the armpit, groin or neck. Other names for the growth are -soft wart- or -skin tag.-

The proper code for your pathologist's examination of such an excised tissue is 88304 (Level III--Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination, skin--cyst/tag/debridement). Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were prepared with the assistance of R.M. Stainton Jr., MD, president of Doctors- Anatomic Pathology Services in Jonesboro, Ark.
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