tci Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement - 2024 Issue Q2

Reader Questions: Know When ‘Procedures’ Don’t Get Procedure Codes

Question: One of my providers recently removed an ear piercing, and he documented that “the post was stuck, inflamed, and caused infection in the left ear helix.” They used two hemostats and unscrewed the post. No anesthesia and no incisions were necessary. Which procedure code would fit this best? AAPC Forum Participant Answer: Based on the information you provided, a standard ED evaluation and management (E/M) code is more appropriate for this encounter rather than a procedure code. The physician evaluated the patient’s condition, observed the inflammation and the infection, and was able to manage the...

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