This page addresses follow-up questions and additional information pertinent to our webinar
Depth Perception: How Deep is that Lesion?
** The coding information and guidance are valid at the time of publishing. Learners are encouraged to research
subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.
Q: We also have pre-malignant codes (17000-17004). When are they used?
A: The code set 17000-17004 is for destruction of benign or premalignant lesions. CPT defines destruction as the ablation by any method. Any method includes electrosurgery, cryosurgery, laser, or chemical treatment.. Refer to your CPT book as there are also destruction of lesions in specific anatomic sites that are outside this code set as well.
Q: What code do you suggest if the documentation states the size of the lesion is 0.7 cm and the incision size is 0.5 cm?
A: To accurately code for skin lesion excision, you need to extract from the documentation the answers to three very important questions:
- Was the lesion benign or malignant?
- Where was the lesion located (anatomic site)?
- What was the excised diameter of the lesion?
All of these play a huge factor in determining the correct code, we would recommend a query to the provider. If clarification is not given, then code using the lesion size of .7 cm.
Q: How is the size of an excision of a benign lesion determined?
A: Each benign lesion excised should be reported separately. Code selection is determined by measuring the greatest clinical diameter of the apparent lesion plus that margin required for complete excision (lesion diameter plus the narrowest margins required equals the excised diameter).
Looking for additional information on this topic?
Meet the Presenter: Carol Paton, MSc, PG Cert., CPC, CPMA
Carol brings over 20 years of industry experience to her role as a Senior Coding Educator at Haugen Consulting Group. With a background in nursing, Carol brings a unique perspective to coding education, allowing her to communicate effectively with both coders and providers to ensure a high-quality learning experience. A proven self-starter and valuable team member, Carol excels at motivating and developing others while building positive relationships across teams and departments. Her career spans several large specialty health systems, where she has served as a coding auditor and educator, delivering targeted education across various service lines.
I’m looking at the Q&A for CEU information for the Depth Perception Webinar, as indicated in the webinar and I don’t see where we can access those CEU’s. Please advise.
Hi Kara, The handouts, test for AAPC members, and CEUs are located to the left of the webinar video! Please refer to our FAQ page for additional instructions: https://www.thehaugengroup.com/about/faqs/
Thank you!
Haugen Academy Learning Team