Advanced Search

Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Reader Question:

Match Excision Code to Tumor Size

Published on Wed Jan 20, 2010

Question: Our podiatrist recently excised a soft tissue mass from the foot of a patient suffering from gout. What code would be appropriate for this excision? Maryland Subscriber Answer: The appropriate excision code depends largely on the size and depth of the excised tumor. CPT 2010 provides specific codes for masses smaller or bigger than 1.5 cm in diameter that sit just underneath the skin (subcutaneous) or that are deep within the muscle or tissue (subfascial). Remind your podiatrist to indicate the size of the excised mass in the patient's record so that you can choose an accurate code. Based on specifications your podiatrist provides, select one of the following codes: • 28039 -- Excision, tumor, soft tissue of foot or toe, subcutaneous; 1.5 cm or greater • 28041 -- Excision, tumor, soft tissue of foot or toe, subfascial (e.g., intramuscular); 1.5 cm or greater • 28043 -- Excision, tumor, soft tissue of [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

View All