Dermatology Coding Alert

Question: The dermatologist excises a basal cell carcinoma tumor from a patient's nasal tip. He submits micrographic margins until he obtains tumor-free margins. The resulting defect occupies most of the nasal tip, exposing the lower lateral cartilages. The excised diameter (including margins) totals nearly 3 cm. The dermatologist uses a full-thickness skin graft from the right pre-auricular crease and closes the deep defect. Should I report the graft? What other codes should I use?

Texas Subscriber

Answer: When the dermatologist takes the graft from a different area than the defect site, you should report the graft. In this case, the dermatologist harvests the [...]

- Published on 2011-11-10