tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2004 Issue 1

Reader Question: Observe Fascial Layer for Superficial Versus Deep

Question: How can I distinguish between superficial (38500) and deep (38525) lymph node biopsy?Virginia Subscriber Answer: In the simplest sense, a superficial biopsy (38500, Biopsy or excision of lymph nodes[s]; open, superficial) describes excision of nodes that occur above the fascial layer. The surgeon simply palpates and cuts down to the node. A deep biopsy or excision (38525, ... open, deep axillary node[s]) occurs below the fascial layer or deep within the tissue, thereby making the node far less accessible.  If you do choose to report a deep biopsy (38525), be sure that the surgeon's documentation supports the...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to tci General Surgery Coding Alert.


Leverage vital, to-the-point monthly guidance to boost your reporting accuracy and your coding know-how. We make it convenient for your team to stay informed, compliant, and profitable with a subscription to TCI’s General Surgery Coding Alert.

  • Current newsletters added each month
  • Fully searchable archives - over 2100 articles
  • ALL years/issues back to 1999 organized by year and issue
  • Codes mentioned in articles are linked to Code Information pages
  • Code Information pages link back to related articles

This feature is currently unavailable for online purchase. For more information, please call 801-770-4203 or Contact Us.

demo
request yours today
 subscribe
start today
 newsletter
free subscription

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.