Advanced Search

Primary Care Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Bill Acne Steroid Injection as 11900, J3301

Published on Mon Sep 27, 2004

Question: A family physician injects an acne cyst with 0.05 cc of Kenalog. How should I code the procedure and medicine?

Virginia Subscriber Answer: You should report the injection with 11900 (Injection, intralesional; up to and including seven lesions). This code describes an intralesional injection of a corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone acetonide, for large nodules. Insurers, such as Cigna, may cover the treatment with an acne diagnosis (706.1, Diseases of sebaceous glands; other acne) if the injection is medically necessary.
 
For 10 mg of the steroid, you should use J3301 (Injection, triamcinolone acetonide, per 10 mg).
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

Primary Care Coding Alert

View All