CPC Integumentary System Procedures 3

Question 1

A surgeon excises a malignant melanoma measuring 1.8 cm from the scalp with 1 cm margins. What is the total diameter used for code selection?

Accepted Answer

3.8 cm

Answer

The excised diameter includes the lesion (1.8 cm) plus the margins on each side (1 cm + 1 cm), totaling 3.8 cm.

Question 2

Which CPT code describes the repair of a wound using tissue adhesive (e.g., Dermabond) without sutures?

Accepted Answer

G0168

Answer

HCPCS code G0168 is used specifically for wound closure using tissue adhesive only, when no suturing is performed.

Question 3

A plastic surgeon performs a rhomboid flap to close a 10 sq cm defect on the cheek. This is reported under which CPT code category?

Accepted Answer

Adjacent tissue transfer/rearrangement codes

Answer

A rhomboid flap is a type of local flap classified under adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement (CPT 14000-14350).

Question 4

When multiple lacerations of the same complexity and anatomical area are repaired in the same session, how should the lengths be reported?

Accepted Answer

Add the lengths together and report a single code

Answer

Per CPT guidelines, lacerations of the same complexity and same body area/grouping are added together and reported as a single code reflecting the combined length.

Question 5

Destruction of a premalignant actinic keratosis lesion is reported with which CPT code for the first lesion?

Accepted Answer

17000

Answer

CPT 17000 is used for destruction of the first premalignant lesion (actinic keratosis); 17003 is added for each additional lesion up to 14.

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CPC Integumentary System Procedures 3