tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2003 Issue 1

Reader Question: When Substance Drained Is Incidental

Question: A physician performed electrocautery of a subungual abscess, but I can find a code only for electro-cautery of a subungual hematoma. I cannot find any generic codes for electrocautery. Do I have to include this procedure in the E/M code? Washington, D.C., SubscriberAnswer: No, do not include the procedure in your E/M code. In fact, you should report the subungual hematoma code, 11740 (Evacuation of subungual hematoma). This procedure typically requires an electro-cautery pen to pierce the nail and drain blood. The code describes drainage of blood, as it is most common to drain blood with that...

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