Dermatology practices have unique medical billing and coding challenges specific to the specialty. Dermatology Medical Billing and Coding can be complex since it involves both medical and surgical components. It requires a good comprehension of Dermatology CPT codes, modifier usage, and other aspects.
Current Perception of Dermatology Medical Billing and Coding
The billing process for Dermatology is complex since it has developed tremendously over the years. It requires a comprehensive description of skin lesions, including their size, number, and precise location. The Dermatology billing also requires specific details regarding the biopsy and the excision and destruction.
In addition to the ever-shifting reimbursement and insurance rules policies, Dermatology has evolved quickly. The scope of Dermatology has grown beyond surgical and medical. It now encompasses a range of cosmetic procedures.
To avoid being under-compensated or dealing with audits and fines. A Dermatology practice must implement technology, seamless procedures, and performance across multiple service lines. When you outsource to a seasoned service provider, you have access to a team of specialists skilled in end-to-end Dermatology Medical Billing.
Why do Dermatology Practices Need Effective Medical Billing Processes?
A precise and efficient medical billing process is vital for Dermatology practices to receive the maximum reimbursement for treatments. Each medical specialty requires accurate billing processes to get the appropriate treatment payments. Dermatology practices need to be extra cautious to ensure the accuracy of their billing and Coding. The proper medical billing of Dermatology practices requires paying particular attention to compliance guidelines and the specialization’s unique utilization of modifiers.
Dermatology, unlike other medical specialties, is multidimensional. Medical billing must reflect the fact that procedures might range from simple cosmetic surgeries to sophisticated skin grafts. Dermatologists often see more patients than doctors in other specialties, so your medical billing and Coding must be efficient and precise to reimburse you effectively.
Commonly utilized Dermatology Billing Codes
Below are some top Dermatology CPT codes utilized in dermatological billing procedures.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
The eradication of skin cancer is the goal of this surgical procedure. Mohs surgery typically involves removing tumor tissue and performing pathological tests.
CPT Code 17311 |
| Mohs micrographic technique for neck, head, feet, and hands; the first stage. |
CPT Code 17312 (Add on) |
| The Mohs micrographic technique applies to the neck, head, feet, and head; in each subsequent stage. |
CPT Code 17313 |
| The initial stage of the process involves applying the Mohs micrographic technique to the arms, trunks, and legs. |
CPT Code 17314, 17315 (Add on) |
| Mohs micrographic technique for the trunk, arms, and legs. Each subsequent stage. |
Laser Therapy Treatments
Laser therapy uses various laser wavelengths for treating a range of skin conditions and aesthetic reasons.
CPT Codes 96920 & 96921 |
| Laser treatment for skin inflammation disease. |
Skin Biopsy
When performing a skin biopsy, dermatologists remove sample skin cells from the skin surface of the human body. Cells taken from the skin will be analyzed to discover details about specific skin diseases or conditions.
CPT Code 11102 |
| A skin biopsy that is tangential one lesions. |
CPT Code 11103 |
| Skin biopsy with a tangential pattern and each additional lesion. |
CPT Code 11104 |
| Punch biopsy of the skin; a single lesion. |
CPT Code 11105 |
| A skin biopsy is a punch biopsy for every additional separate or distinct lesion. |
CPT Code 11106 |
| Incisional biopsy of skin; single lesion. |
Pathology
Pathology techniques use advanced laboratory tests and equipment to investigate skin and tissue at the microscopic cellular level.
CPT Code 88305 |
| The surgical pathology level-IV microscopic and gross examination. |
CPT Code 88304 |
| Level III: surgical pathology microscopic and gross examination. |
CPT Code 88312 |
| Special stain, including interpretation and report. |
CPT Code 88341 |
| Immunohistochemistry, also known as immunocytochemistry. |
Excisions of Lesions
The procedures involved are the surgical removal of lesions and the surrounding tissue.
CPT Code 11403 |
| Excision, benign lesion including the margins of the trunk, arms, or legs. |
CPT Code 11603 |
| Excision, malignant lesion including margins; trunk, arms, or legs. |
Wound Repairs
Based on the extent of the wound, the wound closures may either classify as simple, intermediate, or complex.
CPT Codes 12031 & 12032 |
| Reconstruction; Intermediate; cuts off the scalp, axillae trunk, or extremities (excluding the feet and hands). |
CPT Codes 13120 & 13121 |
| Repair; complex; scalp, arm, and legs. |
Evaluation and Management
There are several broad categories of Dermatology Medical Billing CPT codes, including hospital visits, office visits, and consultations.
CPT Code 99202, 99203 |
| Office visit or any other outpatient appointment to evaluate and manage a patient who is new, in-depth. |
CPT Code 99213 |
| Office visit or another outpatient appointment for assessment and treatment of an existing patient lasting 15 mins. |
CPT Code 99214 |
| Office visit or another outpatient visit to evaluate and manage an established patient with details. |
Three Common Dermatological Medical Billing Procedures
Below are the detailed descriptions of the three-Dermatology Medical Billing and Coding procedures.
MOHS Surgery
Skin cancer and malignant moles are treated employing Mohs surgery. It’s no wonder that procedures like these are growing in popularity, with a projected 178,560 cases of melanoma identified throughout the country in 2018. Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, the two main prominent forms of skin cancer, are usually treated using Mohs surgery. Surgical dermatologists can remove cancerous cells with fantastic precision using this approach. Best of all, it can be done on even the most delicate parts of the body with minimal scarring.
EARLOBE Repair
A surgical dermatologist may be able to treat a patient who has torn earlobes or wants to restore their gauged earlobes to a more socially acceptable condition. These more severe changes or damage usually need surgical repair, which can be done by expert dermatologists who use sutures to reattach the split lobe. The patient may be able to re-pierce the ear and wear earrings when the patient has recovered and the earlobe has been restored.
COSMETIC Procedures
Dermatologists frequently perform cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections and laser hair removal. Scar removal, benign mole or birthmark removal, cyst removal, and skin tag removal are cosmetic treatments that a surgical dermatologist can undertake. While these situations may not directly threaten your health and well-being, they can cause anxiety. Patients can gain confidence with few adverse side effects by removing or alleviating them.
Let’s revamp your Trembled RCM by Streamlining your Dermatology Medical Billing to NEO MD:
If you are thinking about outsourcing your Dermatology Medical Billing and Coding, you have to ensure that you’re making the right decision to manage your practice for Dermatology. The key to that is choosing a reputable third party to handle managing your billing and Coding for medical services. An outsourced medical billing service would be able to provide greater quality and control over the finances of Dermatology practices. The internal team must keep track of all the other practices’ operations.
At NEOMD, we have been working over the last 10 years, developing our medical billing solutions to meet the requirements of various specialties, such as medical billing, and Revenue Cycle Management credentials, and much more. NEOMDINC. provides Dermatology insurance billing services that will provide your practice with the medical billing expertise it needs. That will ultimately grow and prosper your practice in the modern medical world. Contact us now! (info@neomdinc.com) or (929 5023636).
Reference:
Billing and Coding Guidelines for Dermatology Medical Billing
https://www.aad.org/member/practice/coronavirus/government-action
