03/11/2021

Correct Coding for Burn Blister

pt had wart procedure 17110 on 2/25(it was paid) then came back on 2/26 with a burn blister and 10160 was performed and denied. I used T24.291A for dx. What modifier and dx code should have been used for 10160 or its still considered part of the global period? Thanks

For the blister treatment, since the patient is within the 10 day global period of the wart removal, CPT 10160 needs to be appended with modifier -79 to show that this procedure is not related to the procedure performed the day prior. Adding this modifier should have the minor procedure paid by the patient’s insurance. Depending on the insurance, supporting documentation may be requested to show that the two minor skin procedures are unrelated to substantiate separate payment.