Q81.8 — Other epidermolysis bullosa
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- Medical record must include the ordering provider's assessment related to the patient's complaint, relevant medical history, and results of pertinent tests/procedures.
- The office visit record or operative report must be signed and dated; all services ordered or rendered to Medicare beneficiaries must be signed.
- Claims must include ICD-10-CM diagnosis code(s) that accurately reflect the patient's condition and the reason(s) for the service.
- For excisions, document the greatest clinical diameter of the lesion plus the margin required (measurement made prior to excision) and the rationale for choosing excision if not cosmetic.
Key Coverage Criteria
- 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).
- Removal of benign skin lesions billed with CPT 17106, 17107, or 17108 is covered only when clinical records document medical necessity and explicitly state why the procedure is not cosmetic.
- Treatment of hyperkeratotic lesions (e.g., corns and calluses) billed with CPT 11055, 11056, or 11057 is covered as described in the Medicare Internet-Only Manual.
8 Active Policies
A57162 — Billing and Coding: Benign Skin Lesion Removal (Excludes Actinic Keratosis, and Mohs)
A57957 — Billing and Coding: Routine Foot Care
A57044 — Billing and Coding: Removal of Benign Skin Lesions
A57161 — Billing and Coding: Benign Skin Lesion Removal (Excludes Actinic Keratosis, and Mohs)
A57954 — Billing and Coding: Routine Foot Care
Related Codes
Have a follow-up question?
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.