Mohs Micrographic Surgery (November 2006)

Why This Topic Matters

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized procedure with coding rules that differ from many other surgical services because surgery and pathology are closely integrated. Understanding the article helps readers recognize the scope of the revised Mohs code family and related reporting issues without relying on the premium text.

Article Sections

1. November 2006 pages 1-7

   Introductory overview of the article’s subject and the general CPT update context for Mohs micrographic surgery.

2. What is of Mohs Micrographic Surgery?

   General explanation of the procedure, its workflow, and the distinct surgical and pathology roles involved.

3. Parenthetical Notes Per CPT Guidelines

   General CPT parenthetical guidance related to additional pathology services and related reporting considerations.

4. General Description

   Broad description of how the procedure is performed and how it differs from other forms of tissue margin assessment.

5. Coding for Mohs Surgery (17311 and 17313)

   Overview of the primary Mohs code family, the stages of service, and the general structure of the CPT 2007 revisions.

6. Pathology Services: Bundled Services and Those That Are Separately Reportable

   Discussion of pathology-related components, bundled services, and separately reportable services associated with Mohs surgery.

7. CMS Reporting Guidelines

   General reporting considerations tied to Medicare and laboratory requirements for Mohs micrographic surgery claims.

8. Codes 17312 and 17314

   Overview of the add-on Mohs codes for subsequent stages and related reporting context.

9. Parenthetical Notes Per CPT Guidelines

   Additional CPT notes focused on how certain Mohs codes are linked for reporting purposes.

10. Code 17315

    Discussion of the add-on code for larger or more complex Mohs stages and its place within the code family.

11. Parenthetical Notes Per CPT Guidelines

    Further CPT parenthetical guidance on reporting the add-on Mohs code with the related code family.

12. General Issues: Skin Biopsy Before Mohs Surgery

    General discussion of pre-procedure biopsy and pathology considerations when Mohs surgery is being contemplated.

13. Reconstruction

    Overview of post-procedure wound management and separate reconstruction-related services.

14. Evaluation and Management Services

    General guidance on same-day and follow-up evaluation and management services in the context of Mohs surgery.

15. CMS Reporting Guidelines

    Additional Medicare-related guidance on evaluation and management services associated with reconstruction and postoperative periods.

16. Complications

    Discussion of postoperative complications and related procedural reporting considerations.

17. References

    Source citations and publication references supporting the article.

18. Glossary

    Definitions of terms used in the article’s discussion of Mohs surgery and related reporting concepts.