B78.1 — Cutaneous strongyloidiasis
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- The medical record must clearly document that the coverage indications, limitations, and medical necessity criteria in L37228 Wound Care have been met for any billed wound care item or service.
- Documentation must support the specific CPT/HCPCS code(s) billed, including procedure details, depth and surface area for debridement codes, and rationale for the service.
- When hydrotherapy (whirlpool) is billed with CPT 97597 or 97598, the record must state why hydrotherapy was necessary to remove devitalized/necrotic tissue and that a therapist's skill was required to perform the service.
- If CPT 97597 or 97598 is billed by a therapist while the patient is under a Home Health benefit, coverage depends on inclusion in the Home Health plan of care; if billed by a physician or non-physician practitioner it is paid under Part B even if the beneficiary has an active Home Health plan.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Traditional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) devices, units, and supplies are covered under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) benefit when they meet DME LCD coverage criteria and medical necessity.
- CPT codes 97597, 97598, and wound debridement codes 11042-11047 may be covered when the medical record documents medical necessity consistent with L37228 Wound Care criteria and Medicare reasonable-and-necessary requirements.
- Excision of a benign skin lesion is covered when there is clinical suspicion of malignancy (e.g., ICD-10-CM D48.5) documented in the medical record.
- Removal is covered to address disturbance of skin sensation when documented (ICD-10-CM R20.0-R20.3, R20.8).
- Removal is covered when documented objective changes (e.g., increase in size) support a diagnosis warranting excision.
- Removal of a benign lesion is covered when the treating physician documents medical necessity for removal (physician judgment that lesion merits removal).
8 Active Policies
A55909 — Billing and Coding: Wound Care
J05
L37228 — Wound Care
J05
A57161 — Billing and Coding: Benign Skin Lesion Removal (Excludes Actinic Keratosis, and Mohs)
A57162 — Billing and Coding: Benign Skin Lesion Removal (Excludes Actinic Keratosis, and Mohs)
L34233 — Benign Skin Lesion Removal (Excludes Actinic Keratosis, and Mohs)
Related Codes
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