Wiki WART REMOVAL

[Lunap99]

What would be the best code for a plantar wart when the doctor says "Skin lesion appearance consistent with verruca, no signs of infection. Sharp debridement of full thickness down to healthy base without any issues." The actual wart code would not be correct since he didn't use any of the "destruction" methods. I'm looking at 11042 or 97597 unless anyone knows of anything that fits better.

 

[thomas7331]

I would agree with 97597. 11042 would not be supported since there is no documentation of debridement of subcutaneous tissue.

 

[Lunap99]

Using the example above, the provider uses a scalpel blade to scrape the wart and callus-like skin down to the native skin level.
I have gotten some advice that I can still use the wart code -17110 accept that they are not using a curette fort he sharp debridement. The providers like to use 11055. 97597 falls along the lines of the sharp debridement but that is more for wounds. I also found 11300 which fits the method, but would a wart be considered a lesion? What is the best choice, to go more by the method or more by what is being treated?

 

[Lunap99]

Bump?

 

[eagendj]

You cannot code 'consistent with' verruca. First I would question the lesion, then code the procedure.