AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2023 Issue 2; Ask the Editor

Intended lipoma excision

A patient presented for surgical excision of bilateral supraclavicular lipomas. The patient was brought to the OR and general anesthesia was induced. Starting on the right side, a small 2 cm incision was made over the proposed site of the lipoma. On examination, no masses, lipomas, or enlarged lymph nodes were visualized or palpated. Upon palpation of the left side, no abnormalities were appreciated. The decision to close was made. The deep dermis was approximated with interrupted 3-0 vicryl sutures. The epidermis was approximated with a running 4-0 monocryl in the subcuticular layer and Dermabond® was applied on top. Is it appropriate to report the intended lipoma removal with modifier 74 or, is an unlisted code assigned? How should this procedure be reported? ...

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