[Histonet] Billing for skin biopsies

[Vickroy, James]

There was a question today that I felt pretty comfortable answering but still thought I would see what others have found out on this subject.   Dermatologists are always asking if there is a lesser pathology charge for a skin lesion removed for cosmetic purposes.   My understanding is that while a clinician can charge less for removing something for cosmetic purposes once it goes to the pathology lab the charges are based on diagnosis and therefore the accepted CPT codes are generally 88302 ( plastic repair), 88304 (cyst debridement, skin tag) and 88305 for (other than the cyst, debridement, skin tag, or plastic repair).   And.............we can't charge differently just because it was removed for cosmetic purposes.    Please let me know your thoughts on this and if things are done differently at your institution.

I have told a clinician that they might not have to submit the "cosmetic" skin biopsy for pathology however I also don't believe that is a good idea either.

Jim

Jim Vickroy
Histology Manager
Springfield Clinic, Main Campus, East Building
1025 South 6th Street
Springfield, Illinois  62703
Office:  217-528-7541, Ext. 15121
Email:  jvickroy at SpringfieldClinic.com<mailto:jvickroy at SpringfieldClinic.com>



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