tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2007 Issue 11

Reader Questions: Unbundle Biopsy, Destruction With Modifier 59

Question: The surgeon takes a biopsy of a left elbow lesion and, at the same time and at the patient's request, uses cryosurgery to destroy three plantar warts on the patient's right foot. Can I report both services, or is the biopsy bundled into the destruction? Hawaii SubscriberAnswer: You can report both services because they occurred at separate sites. Lesion destruction codes typically include biopsy, but only if the physician performs destruction and biopsy on the same site. You can unbundle the services when the physician performs them on separate sites. On your claim, you should report: - 17110...

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