Second opinion on a CPT code before I dispute a bill?
Long story short, I believe I have been over billed for a surgery. Requested the operative notes and they are totally barebones and don’t seem to support the code billed, in my layman’s and biased opinion.
That said, I’m slightly concerned they may find a way to up charge me further if I request a formal review.
Are there any resources out there to request an independent coding review for a professional opinion before I ask the surgery center to formally review?
Thanks, and apologies in advance if this is the wrong forum.
ETA:
Didn’t think this would get so much traction - appreciate the input. Pasting the full op note below; I thought 26115 meant they were going down under the skin vs cutting at skin level.
Also - just with the provider, no insurance involvement.
“Patient… with signs and symptoms of a left index finger mass which appeared to be a large pyogenic granuloma. Today under sterile conditions, left upper extremity was prepped and draped in usual sterile
fashion. At that point an incision made at the base of the mass and the stalk and the mass was excised. It appeared to be a pyogenic granuloma. The small 3mm origin was then treated with multiple silver nitrate sticks until it was well cauterized. The mass was sent to pathology and a dry sterile dressing was applied.“