August 19, 2021

Question:
I am trying to code a repair.  My physician performed one stage of Mohs surgery and the documentation says he did a “purse string repair”  How would I code this?

Answer:
Usually a purse string repair is a simple repair report using a code from 12001-12018. But look carefully at the documentation for the repair.  If the physician documents any undermining or extensive instrumentation use the intermediate repair coded 12031-12057.  Repairs are coded by anatomic location and size of defect.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 8/19/21.