How To Use cpt 11922

cpt 11922 describes the intradermal introduction of insoluble opaque pigments to correct color defects of the skin, including micropigmentation. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11922.

1. What is cpt 11922?

cpt 11922 is a code used to describe the tattooing procedure performed by a healthcare provider to correct color defects of the skin. This procedure involves the intradermal introduction of insoluble opaque pigments to provide a “permanent camouflage” for the defect. It is commonly used for conditions such as congenital defects, breast reconstruction, burns, vitiligo, birthmarks, and other similar conditions. cpt 11922 represents each additional 20.0 cm2, or part thereof, after the first 20.0 cm2.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11922 is: ‘Tattooing, intradermal introduction of insoluble opaque pigments to correct color defects of skin, including micropigmentation each additional 20.0 sq cm, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider selects pigments similar to the patient’s natural skin color.
2. A single needle or set of needles is dipped into the pigments.
3. The provider injects the needle(s) into the skin, moving them up and down to penetrate the epidermis and dermis.
4. The pigments are implanted into the skin, providing a permanent camouflage for the color defect.
5. Excess pigment is wiped off the skin.
6. Micropigmentation, if required, may involve a more precise technique and multiple sessions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11922 is used for patients with color defects of the skin that require tattooing for correction. These defects can be caused by congenital conditions, breast reconstruction, burns, vitiligo, birthmarks, and other similar conditions. The procedure must be performed by a qualified healthcare provider and involves the intradermal introduction of insoluble opaque pigments. The additional 20.0 cm2, or part thereof, after the first 20.0 cm2 is represented by cpt 11922.

5. When to use cpt code 11922

cpt 11922 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the intradermal introduction of insoluble opaque pigments to correct color defects of the skin, including micropigmentation. This code is used for each additional 20.0 cm2, or part thereof, after the first 20.0 cm2. It should be reported in conjunction with a code for the primary procedure, cpt 11921.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11922, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tattooing to correct color defects of the skin
• Specific pigments used, matching the patient’s natural skin color
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Size of the area tattooed, including the first 20.0 cm2 and each additional 20.0 cm2, or part thereof
• Progress made by the patient, if applicable
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11922, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and that the size of the area tattooed is documented accurately. cpt 11922 should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure, cpt 11921. It is important to note that cpt 11922 is an add-on code and should not be reported without the primary procedure code.

8. Historical information

cpt 11922 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There was a code change on January 1, 2009, which modified the description to include micropigmentation.

9. Similar codes to cpt 11922

Five similar codes to cpt 11922 include:

• cpt 11921: This code is used for the primary procedure of tattooing to correct color defects of the skin.
• cpt 11900: This code is used for the tattooing procedure on an area of 5.0 sq cm or less.
• cpt 11901: This code is used for the tattooing procedure on an area of 5.1 sq cm to 10.0 sq cm.
• cpt 11920: This code is used for the tattooing procedure on an area of 10.1 sq cm to 20.0 sq cm.
• cpt 11923: This code is used for the tattooing procedure on an area larger than 100.0 sq cm.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performing tattooing to correct color defects of the skin on a patient with vitiligo, covering an area of 30.0 sq cm.
2. A healthcare provider performing tattooing to correct color defects of the skin on a patient with a birthmark, covering an area of 40.0 sq cm.
3. A healthcare provider performing tattooing to correct color defects of the skin on a patient who underwent breast reconstruction, covering an area of 25.0 sq cm.
4. A healthcare provider performing tattooing to correct color defects of the skin on a patient with a burn scar, covering an area of 15.0 sq cm.
5. A healthcare provider performing tattooing to correct color defects of the skin on a patient with a congenital defect, covering an area of 50.0 sq cm.
6. A healthcare provider performing micropigmentation to correct color defects of the skin on a patient with vitiligo, covering an area of 35.0 sq cm.
7. A healthcare provider performing micropigmentation to correct color defects of the skin on a patient with a birthmark, covering an area of 45.0 sq cm.
8. A healthcare provider performing micropigmentation to correct color defects of the skin on a patient who underwent breast reconstruction, covering an area of 30.0 sq cm.
9. A healthcare provider performing micropigmentation to correct color defects of the skin on a patient with a burn scar, covering an area of 20.0 sq cm.