Proper CPT Coding of Genioplasty Procedures

The CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) book is a coding tool used by a variety of medical coders in a wide range of fields. Genioplasty is a medical term for a type of surgery that reshapes the chin. Medical coders working in a cosmetic surgeon's office must use the correct code for this surgery to ensure that the surgeon is reimbursed for the procedure.

Genioplasty

• Genioplasty can be used to augment the size or shape of the chin. The procedure may be performed using bone or tissue from the person undergoing the surgery, known as an atuograft, or from another source, most commonly a cadaver (known as allograft). A third type of genioplasty may use a prosthetic device or material.

Coding for Genioplasty

• Using the 2009 CPT handbook, a medical coder should use the procedure index found in the back of the book for the type of genioplasty designated in the patient's medical record. For an autograft, allograft or prosthetic material or device, the coder will use the code 21120. This is found under Repair, Revision and/or Reconstruction of the chin.

Payment

• The correct CPT coding of genioplasty may reimburse a surgeon approximately $439 for a Medicare-patient and roughly $546 for a non-Medicare approved facility, according to American Medical Association. Medical coders must select the correct code for proper payment to be rendered. The CPT Code book is the only approved source of such information.