My doctor went to a conference and was told they can bill CPT 11755 for nail clippings is this true?

 Rule #1 is make sure you verify before ever starting to bill a new code in the practice!

Rule#2 understand all the valid and available resources to determine the proper billing of a CPT Code.

Let's break down this issue and explain it as to how is the code defined - CPT 11755-“Biopsy of nail unit (eg, plate, bed, matrix, hyponycium, proximal and lateral nail folds).

In December 2002 CPT Assistant explained this code by giving 3 examples. The first, a small punch through the nail plate, into the nail bed. The second, Removing the nail plate, a longitudinal incision around the suspected area, removing the specimen, and suture closure. The third, Short, longitudinal incisions on either side of the nail fold, elevation of the tissue, removal of tissue to expose the matrix, and a punch or excisional biopsy is performed, and suture closure.

The nail biopsy is a procedure. It requires a consent for a minor procedure. You would detail what anesthesia was used. You would state what instruments were used to perform the procedure and you would state what was sent to pathology:  the nail plate, nail bed, matrix, hyponychium and nail folds. You state what dressing you applied and what post operative care was necessary by the patient. As you can see this is not sending the nail clippings and subungual debris.