Advanced Search

Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

You Be the Coder:

Repeat Nail Procedures

Published on Sun Dec 02, 2012

Question: We have a patient who has had both first nails removed and phenolized twice, and yet the nails have grown back. She has asked the podiatrist to repeat the procedure, considering the nail plates are not complete or as thick as normal. How should I report it? South Dakota Subscriber Answer: This would be a regular nail procedure, unless your podiatrist used a different type of procedure. The most common CPT® code used is 11750 (Excision of nail and nail matrix, partial or complete [e.g., ingrown or deformed nail], for permanent removal) for the permanent removal of part or total toenail. Don't use 11750 more than once per digit. According to Ingenix Coding Companion for Podiatry, 11750 "may only be reported once per digit. A partial excision -- even when the partial excision requires two incisions (medial and lateral aspects) -- of the nail does not count as two separate procedures."
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