AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2025 Quarter 3; Ask the Editor
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
A patient presented for resection of the left axilla and left lateral chest wall due to recurrent hidradenitis suppurativa. After standard preparation the axillary site was addressed first. An elliptical incision was made, followed by electrocautery dissection through the dermis in the subcutaneous tissue. The specimen was removed and sent to pathology. Subcutaneous flaps were raised, and the incision was closed with an advancement flap. Attention was then turned to the left anterior chest wall site and a similar elliptical excision was performed using a scalpel and electrocautery. Dissection continued to the subcutaneous layer, and the specimen was also sent to pathology. The chest wall was closed with a 6 cm advancement flap. The CPT codes in range 11450 - 11471 , excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis, specify the locations axillary, inguinal, perianal, perineal, and umbilical. Since the chest is not one of the specified body areas, which code should be assigned to properly capture the excision of the hidradenitis suppurative from the left lateral chest wall? ...
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Article Overview
This article covers a case involving surgical management of hidradenitis suppurativa in multiple anatomic sites and places the scenario in the context of CPT coding. It is relevant for coders, auditors, and clinicians who work with dermatologic surgery, wound-related procedures, and procedure code selection. The article also references a CPT code range associated with these procedures and highlights the anatomic-location focus of the guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
Hidradenitis suppurativa procedures can involve multiple sites and layered closure techniques, so accurate interpretation of the operative note and applicable CPT guidance is important for compliant reporting.
What You Will Learn
- How a hidradenitis suppurativa operative case is described in a surgical note
- How the article frames CPT reporting considerations for excision procedures
- Which anatomic-site considerations are emphasized in the coding discussion
- How multi-site surgery and flap closure are presented in the context of coding reference material
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Dermatology and surgery practices
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Clinicians documenting procedural cases
Code Ranges Discussed
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