Wiki Coding Add on code 17003

[rebell63]

We are having a debate regarding the add on code 17003. The book clearly says "second through 14 lesions, EACH". We have been billing this as 17003X__. For example, patient has 2 lesions removed from nose, 4 from arm and 5 from chest. That's a total of 11 lesions. According to the the verbage in the CPT it should be coded as 17000, 17003x10. Is this not correct?

 

[Najwa]

Yep. That is the general rule, unless a more specific code for the body part exists.

 

[lmartien]

I agree with Najwa. In coding derm and wound care for the past several years this has been our interpretation, as well.

Linda