Mole Removal

What is the best way to code for mole removal?

re: Mole Removal

Acquired nevi (moles) can appear anywhere on the skin (216.0 - 216.9). Question is how was it removed? If excised, it is excision of benign lesion.

re: Mole Removal

I read the CPT® code for the excised lesion, but it had a lot of other codes that went with it that said to bill additionally, but since it wasn't done in a surgical suite or sent to a lab, I didn't think that would be correct. It was done in an office setting.

re: Mole Removal

The majority of moles are benign. However, moles that raise suspicion of malignancy are those that change in size, shape or color, and those that bleed, itch, or become painful. Atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) have an increased risk of developing into melanoma. Atypical moles are larger than average (greater than 6 mm) and irregular in shape. They tend to have uneven color with dark brown centers and lighter, sometimes reddish, uneven borders or black dots at edge. The most common methods of removal include shaving and excision. Codes 11400 - 11446. http://www.surgistrategies.com/articles/2009/04/coding-for-removal-of-benign-and-malignant-skin-l.aspx
This can be done in office setting. Diagnosis code depends on physician documentation.

re: Mole Removal

There is an article on Codapedia about billing for minor procedures. It might help you.

http://codapedia.com/article_553_Doing-and-coding-for-minor-procedures-in-primary-care.cfm