Procedure Question

Question:

I am doing a lot of Goldie Locks breast reconstruction after mastectomy where I create a lower pole pedicle dermal flap and use it for reconstruction. From what I can tell this is billed as an ATR at 14XXX. Is this the best code?

Answer:

There is not a good code for this service. The 14xxx code is probably the best but be sure to document the primary defect dimension (in sq cm), the lumpectomy defect, as well as any secondary defect dimension (the defect you created with your flap design) also in sq cm. Adding these defect dimensions together supports the 14xxx code.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 2/15/24.