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Primary Care Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Foot FBRs Differ From Soft-Tissue FBRs

Published on Tue Aug 14, 2007

Question: Our physician performed simple foreign- body removal (FBR) on a patient with a wood splinter in her right foot. We reported 10120 and received a denial. Should I appeal, or did I code improperly?


Minnesota Subscriber
Answer: In the -Introduction to CPT- entry, CPT states, -Select the name of the procedure or service that accurately identifies the service performed. Do not select a CPT code that merely approximates the service provided.-  In this case, there is a more specific code for foot FBRs. Code 10120 (Incision and removal of foreign body, subcutaneous tissues; simple) is in the Integumentary part of CPT's Surgery section. It is for simple, subcutaneous incision and removal of foreign bodies when no more specific code exists. In the case of a subcutaneous FBR from the foot, a more specific code does exist. When your physician removes a foreign body from a patient's foot, choose from:

- 28190--Removal of foreign body, foot; subcutaneous
- 28192--... deep
- 28193--... complicated. So on your claim, you should have reported 28190 for the foot FBR
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