• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Coding excisional skin biopsy

Create Wiki
N

nancy1968

New
Messages
1
Best answers
0
If the provider performs a biopsy of a skin lesion, and the pathology confirms malignancy, can the original biopsy be billed as an excision of a malignant skin lesion?
 
Look to intention of removal and technique. Was the intention of the excision to biopsy a sample of the lesion or was it to remove the lesion full thickness with attention to margins? If the entire lesion was removed with attention to margins, it should be coded to malignant excision. If only a sample was biopsied, then code to biopsy based on method- incisional, tangential, punch. The diagnosis doesn't come into play unless a full thickness excision with margins was performed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top