Coding
Medically Unlikely Edits
Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs) are benchmarks recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that are designed to prevent...
Final Thoughts
In summary, biopsies, shave removals, and excisions are different procedures and therefore should be coded differently. Although the distinction between biopsies and shave removals is ill defined, remember that biopsies are intended to establish a diagnosis and shave removals are intended to remove the entire lesion. By definition, excisions must include margins and proceed through the dermis to the subcutis. In particular circumstances, site-specific biopsy codes may be appropriate and can be used to code for lipoma excisions.