CPC Integumentary System Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dermatologist uses photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat actinic keratoses on the face. Which CPT code describes the illumination/activation portion of PDT?
- 17000
- 96567
- 96573 (Correct answer)
- 17110
Correct answer: 96573
CPT 96573 describes photodynamic therapy by external application of light to destroy premalignant and/or malignant lesions of the skin.
Question 2: A wound requiring complex repair includes which of the following distinguishing features?
- Single-layer closure only
- Layered closure involving only subcutaneous fat
- Scar revision, debridement, extensive undermining, or retention sutures (Correct answer)
- Use of topical anesthetic only
Correct answer: Scar revision, debridement, extensive undermining, or retention sutures
Complex repair involves more than layered closure, requiring scar revision, debridement, extensive undermining, retention sutures, or other complex techniques.
Question 3: When coding nail avulsion (CPT 11730), what additional code is reported if a chemical matrixectomy is also performed?
- 11732
- 11750 (Correct answer)
- 11765
- 11740
Correct answer: 11750
CPT 11750 describes excision of the nail and nail matrix (matrixectomy), which includes chemical destruction; it is reported separately from simple avulsion (11730) when matrixectomy is performed.
Question 4: A surgeon repairs a complex laceration of the eyelid measuring 2.0 cm. Which CPT code range applies?
- 12051-12057
- 13151-13153 (Correct answer)
- 67930-67935
- 12001-12007
Correct answer: 13151-13153
Complex repair of the eyelids, nose, ears, and/or lips is reported with CPT 13151-13153 (complex repair of face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and/or mucous membranes).
Question 5: Which modifier is appended to a staged skin graft procedure performed in the same operative session as an initial wound debridement?
- Modifier 51
- Modifier 58 (Correct answer)
- Modifier 78
- Modifier 79
Correct answer: Modifier 58
Modifier 58 indicates a staged or related procedure performed during the postoperative period, or a service that was planned prospectively at the time of the original procedure.
Question 6: What does the term 'undermining' refer to in the context of wound repair coding?
- Placement of retention sutures deep to skin
- Separation of skin from underlying tissue to allow edges to be brought together for closure (Correct answer)
- Application of a split-thickness graft
- Irrigation of a wound with saline solution
Correct answer: Separation of skin from underlying tissue to allow edges to be brought together for closure
Undermining involves blunt or sharp dissection to separate the skin from subcutaneous tissue, allowing wound edges to be mobilized and closed with less tension.
Question 7: A patient undergoes incision and drainage (I&D) of a simple furuncle. Which CPT code is reported?
- 10060 (Correct answer)
- 10061
- 10080
- 10140
Correct answer: 10060
CPT 10060 covers incision and drainage of an abscess (carbuncle, suppurative hidradenitis, cutaneous or subcutaneous abscess, cyst, furuncle, or paronychia) — simple or single.
CPC Integumentary System Procedures 5
A dermatologist uses photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat actinic keratoses on the face.
Which CPT code describes the illumination/activation portion of PDT?