Urology Coding Alert

Question: Our urologist performed excision and electro-cauterization of multiple genital warts under local anesthesia. The warts measured 0.3 cm-0.4 cm. What is the correct code?

Mississippi Subscriber

Answer: Code 54060 (Destruction of lesion[s], penis [e.g., condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, herpetic vesicle], simple; surgical excision) is a good starting point.

Code 54055 (Destruction of lesion[s], penis [e.g., condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, herpetic vesicle], simple; electrodesiccation) is a lesser paying code and is included in the work of 54060. In this clinical scenario do not separately bill 54055.

However, if your urologist believes the number of warts was extensive, consider reporting 54065 (Destruction of lesion[s], penis [e.g., condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, herpetic vesicle], extensive [e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery]) instead.