Cut Away Callus Removal Confusion
Question: I have an encounter note for a patient who presented with a painful callus on their right foot. The podiatrist removed the callus and debrided the area before applying a bandage. The provider advised the patient to moisturize the foot regularly. How do I report the encounter? Ohio Subscriber Answer: Use 11055 (Paring or cutting of benign hyperkeratotic lesion (eg, corn or callus); single lesion) to report the removal of the callus on the right foot. The descriptor includes the term “hyperkeratotic lesion,” with corn or callus cited as examples of lesions the provider might treat. If the physician removed multiple lesions, you’d assign 11056 (… 2 to 4 lesions) or 11057 (… more than 4 lesions) depending on the total number of lesions removed. You’ll also assign L84 (Corns and callosities) to report the callus diagnosis as the medical necessity for the procedure. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Production Editor, AAPC
