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The CryoPen Newsletter
The CryoPen Tackles Tough Common and Plantar Warts
January, 2013 - Vol 1, Issue 1
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Watch the actual freezing of a
Plantar Wart!
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CODING CORNER- PLANTAR WARTS
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While some books might say to use CPT codes 17110 & 17111- using these codes often leads to under billing. It is important for the physicians to diagnose and document the different types of warts, where they are located , and size. The coding person will need this information to properly submit claims to the different carriers.
Plantar Warts may be coded as 17000 (for one) and 17003 2nd-14th (list separately in addition to code for first lesion) 17003 is used in conjunction with code 17000.
Use modifiers for follow-up treatments- such as modifier 58 (staged or related procedure or service by same physician). Modifier 76 might also be used (repeat procedure by same physician)
Cryotherapy codes come with a 10 day global period-meaning the practice cannot bill for services related to the original service for 10 days. So, most follow-up visits are scheduled for 2 weeks after initial visit.
ICD-9 diagnostic code commonly used:
078.12 Plantar Wart
216.7 Foot Benign
This information is provided to assist you in determining possible codes for procedures performed. Please check your current coding book for a more extensive list and for any coding changes.
Please visit: www.cms.gov/apps/physician-fee-schedule to obtain your state's reimbursement fees.
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Plantar Warts can be difficult to treat. Cryosurgery, using the CryoPen offers a simple, safe, and effective treatment method. The CryoPen uses No dangerous cryogenic gasses or liquids such as liquid nitrogen.
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PLANTAR WARTS? NO PROBLEM!
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The CryoPen is very unique when it comes to treating Plantar Warts. Like common verruca vulgaris warts, plantar warts are also caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). But the unique case of plantar warts makes them harder to treat because of the much greater hyperkeratotic covering that occurs on the bottom of the feet. This makes it harder to treat because the offending virus is much deeper. Treatments for plantar warts are many but the unique temperature profile and thermodynamic freezing characteristics of the CryoPen make it arguably the best treatment for plantar warts. Other forms of cryosurgery are either not cold enough or create too much collateral damage.
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COMMON WARTS
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With Common Warts, verruca vulgaris, patience and persistence are the keys to successful treatment. The common wart is one of the more common skin lesions to treat with cryotherapy and at the same time one of the least responsive to treatment. The type of treatment is not the issue with warts. By their very nature, verrucae are slow growing and do their best to remain unnoticed by the bodies immune system. A single treatment works only about two thirds of the time. Getting to the active area of infection is complicated by the exposed lesion above the skin surface which is primarily dead debris. So freezing below the surface to the infected cells is challenging. A common recommendation is to debulk the lesion with OTC wart treatments for about one month. Then begin treatments with the CryoPen for 45-60 * seconds per freeze. Allow the lesion to heal and follow up in 3 to 4 weeks. Repeat the freeze and follow-up process until you are comfortable that the lesion is not redeveloping. But even then be sure to tell the patient that if it recurs, return immediately to get the best results. Patient expectations and compliance are a primary component to successful treatment of the common wart.
* Treatment times are approximate. Times vary according to factors such as: lesion size, height, skin type, age, current medical conditions, etc. Patients should be evaluated individually by the physician.
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CRYOPEN IN THE NEWS
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As we start the new year, we would like to share several highlights from 2012:
- CryoPen Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Original FDA Clearance
- CryoPen, Inc Featured in Startech Foundation Annual Report
- Medical Device Maker CryoPen Inc. Selected to present at WBT Innovative Marketplace in San Diego
- As referenced in Podiatry Today, November, 2008, the CryoPen is useful in treating pedal verruca. Dr. Jerry Slavitt discusses treatment techniques using the CryoPen, and his success with this very difficult problem to treat. Adding pedal verruca (plantar wart) treatment to your practice will not only benefit your patients greatly, but will become a very rewarding treatment for such a difficult problem.
"In my practice, I have found cryosurgery using the CryoPen System to be an effective modality for the treatment of pedal verruca in the majority of cases. The treatment is simple, quick and effective. The majority of patients receive the treatment well."
Dr. Jerome Slavitt
Affiliated Podiatrists P.A.
www.podiatrytoday.com/emerging-concepts-in-cryosurgery-for-wart-treatmant-1
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POWERFUL, BUT EFFICIENT
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 The CryoPen is the only cryosurgical system that needs no dangerous gasses or liquids to operate. To accomplish this, the pen core in the unit can be 235 degrees Fahrenheit colder than room temperature! By comparison, that freezer in the kitchen with its power consuming compressor, can only get about 80 degrees Fahrenheit below room temperature. CryoPen's efficient electric cooler is very reliable and simple to use.
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CryoPen FAQ's
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Question:
How should the CryoPen Pen Cores be rotated?
Answer:
Always rotate your Pen Cores at the end of each day.
Always remember to: Wipe- Dip- Replace.
When rotating a warm pen core from the holding well:
- Wipe it with the CryoPen towel
- Dip it into the Reservoir Solution Tube
- Remove a cold Pen Core from a chilling well and replace it with the wiped and dipped warm Pen Core.
- Place the cold Pen Core into the holding well
This procedure is performed with each use of the CryoPen as well as at the end of each day. This process ensures that the chilling wells always have adequate levels of reservoir solution.
For more information on the CryoPen, please visit our website at: www.cryopen.com or call us at
1-888-246-3928
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 2013 Copyright . All Rights Reserved. MM1304-V1 |
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