February 14, 2019

Question:
If one of our doctors removes a complex pilonidal cyst that requires a rhomboid flap repair, is the repair part of the code 11772 for complicated excision of the pilonidal cyst?  I did not think so, but I know that each procedure includes the approach, the definitive, and closure, so now I am not sure.

Answer:
A flap closure is separately reportable with an excision of a pilonidal cyst.  In this case, you would also report a code from the adjacent tissue transfer section, 14000-14302, depending on the site and square centimeter sizes of the primary and secondary defects.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 2/14/19.