Part B Insider - 2003 Issue 3
Watch Incision versus Margins When Calculating Diameter
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Article Overview
This short coding article discusses how lesion excision diameter is determined under CPT guidance and why the visible size of the incision should not be treated as the deciding measurement. It is written for medical coders, dermatology staff, and physicians who document skin lesion procedures, with emphasis on measurement, documentation, and payer scrutiny.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate measurement and documentation of excision diameter are important for correct code selection and for avoiding misunderstandings between incision length and the size used for coding.
What You Will Learn
- How lesion excision diameter is distinguished from incision size
- Why documentation of measurement matters in skin lesion procedures
- What concerns payers may have about excision diameter reporting
- The role of CPT guidance in lesion excision measurement
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Dermatologists
- Physicians
- Dermatology billing staff
- Compliance staff
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