EC Coding & Classification Systems 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The HCPCS Level II code set is used in electrolysis billing primarily to classify:
- Physician-only procedures
- Supplies, devices, and non-physician services not in CPT (Correct answer)
- ICD diagnosis codes for skin conditions
- Laboratory test panels
Correct answer: Supplies, devices, and non-physician services not in CPT
HCPCS Level II codes cover supplies, equipment, and non-physician services that fall outside the CPT code set.
Question 2: When classifying electrolysis treatment modalities, 'thermolysis' is distinguished by its use of:
- Direct current to create lye
- Alternating high-frequency current to generate heat (Correct answer)
- Blended AC and DC currents simultaneously
- Laser energy delivered via a fiber optic probe
Correct answer: Alternating high-frequency current to generate heat
Thermolysis (short-wave diathermy) uses high-frequency alternating current that produces heat to destroy the hair follicle.
Question 3: A treatment progress note that classifies hair density as 'heavy' typically corresponds to approximately how many hairs per square centimeter?
- 1–5
- 6–10
- 11–20
- More than 20 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: More than 20
Heavy hair density is generally classified as more than 20 hairs per square centimeter in professional electrolysis assessment tools.
Question 4: Which modifier is appended to CPT 17380 to indicate the service was performed bilaterally on symmetric areas in the same session?
- -50 (Correct answer)
- -51
- -59
- -76
Correct answer: -50
Modifier -50 indicates a bilateral procedure performed during the same operative session on symmetrical body sites.
Question 5: In electrolysis classification systems, pseudofolliculitis barbae (ICD-10 L73.1) is relevant because electrolysis is sometimes used to treat it by:
- Bleaching the ingrown hair shaft
- Permanently removing the follicles causing chronic ingrown hairs (Correct answer)
- Softening the stratum corneum to release trapped hairs
- Injecting corticosteroids into inflamed follicles
Correct answer: Permanently removing the follicles causing chronic ingrown hairs
Electrolysis permanently destroys the follicles responsible for producing the hairs that cause pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps).
Question 6: A 'skin type classification' using the Fitzpatrick scale in an electrolysis intake form primarily helps the practitioner:
- Determine appropriate probe diameter
- Assess pigmentation risk and adjust settings to minimize hyperpigmentation (Correct answer)
- Select the correct ICD-10 code for billing
- Classify the client's hair growth phase
Correct answer: Assess pigmentation risk and adjust settings to minimize hyperpigmentation
The Fitzpatrick scale helps electrologists assess the client's risk of post-treatment pigmentation changes and adjust current intensity accordingly.
Question 7: When an electrolysis client record is subpoenaed, the record classification that carries the same legal weight as the original paper chart is:
- A photocopy faxed to the court
- A certified electronic health record printout (Correct answer)
- A handwritten summary by the practitioner
- A verbal attestation from the electrologist
Correct answer: A certified electronic health record printout
A certified electronic health record printout is legally recognized as equivalent to an original paper record in most US jurisdictions.
EC Coding & Classification Systems 3
The HCPCS Level II code set is used in electrolysis billing primarily to classify: