Lesion Excisions Done Right: Measure First, Diagnose Later

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate lesion excision reporting depends on correct measurement, diagnosis selection, and use of supporting coding conventions. Missteps can affect claim accuracy and reimbursement and may increase denials.

Article Sections

1. Measurement and documentation before excision

   Introduces the importance of documenting lesion size at the appropriate time and explains the general measurement approach used for excision coding.

2. Wait for pathology before choosing diagnosis

   Discusses diagnosis selection after pathology review and references the diagnostic classification workflow used for lesion coding.

3. Look to 59 for multiple excisions

   Covers reporting considerations for more than one lesion excision in the same area and the general use of modifiers and separate diagnosis linkage.