CPT 17282 and CPT 11312

Hello,

Please help with this question.... A dermatologist shaved two scaly nodules, then C&D'd their bases. He states they were basal cell carcinomas. He is coding them as CPT 17282 and CPT 11312. He does give lesion sizes of 1.1 and 1.5 cm, location is RT upper forehead and RT temple. I am confused by this and was wondering if someone could shed some light on this particular situation.

Thank-you!!

Still waiting...

Please give advise!! Thank-you!

shave technique

The descriptors for 11300-11313 specify “single lesion,” which means that you may report one code for each lesion that the surgeon removes by shave technique. You cannot report two different techniques at same session/same lesion. The procedure was shaving and that is what should be coded, not destruction/cautery. 11311, 11312. The note before the codes state "includes chemical or electrocauterization".

CPT 17282 and CPT 11312

Thank-you so much for replying. I didn't think this provider should be billing both codes but I'm just a little confused on why you would use CPT 11312 instead of CPT 17282? Also, I have a system that allows me to run codes to check for any CCI edits. Apparently these two codes can be billed together, that confused me even more. I just want to make sure I am giving this provider the correct information.

JB*

Intent

The procedure note should describe the procedures performed and the technique used.

CPT® code which one

Thank you for your response. I have a question which code am I to use you have even me two and you are telling me to use one?
This is what I am having difficulty with once in a while. I need your help on this problem and what am I doing wrong to have this issue please give me advice.
I am sorry you have not answered my question yet so please add this qestion when you answer my first question.

Thank you
Debbie Brown

shave

If two lesions were removed by shave technique and then the bases cauterized to control bleeding--each shave lesion is coded. If at different sites, code each to site and size documented for each one.