RE: Actinic skin changes - Second request

[Faye Jones]

Title: RE: Actinic skin changes - Second request

Actinic Keratosis is a precancerous skin lesion r/t sun exposure. It starts as a red spot then becomes scaly and peals over and over and over again eventually turning into a lesion.  Can be a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma which is serious and is one of the few that can metastasis to other organs.  In the early stages (I have had several) can be frozen which blisters, forms a scab and voila it’s gone with the scab.  Fair skinned persons are a better candidate for freezing as it sometimes causes pigmentation changes and in someone fair it doesn’t show.  For recurrent or more progressed lesions biopsies and surgical and/or tx with 5FU ointment is done. I strongly recommend annual skin exams to anyone whose skin is high risk and has an hx of loving the sun and above all don’t ignore those red/dry/scaly spots without getting a diagnosis-they look harmless but may not be.   -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Michelle Witges Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2003 4:47 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Actinic skin changes - Second request   I hate to be ignorant but what is actinic skin changes?  I have never heard of it so I cannot offer info on how to code. Michelle ----- Original Message ----- From: Swift, Marianne F. To: Swift, Marianne F. ; '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2003 2:58 PM Subject: RE: Actinic skin changes - Second request   Does anyone have advice on this question? Thanks. How should the following skin changes be coded on the MDS? A recent Dermatology appointment led to the prescription of topical 5-FU for actinic skin changes on the dorsal aspect of his hands. Should anything be coded in M4 or should just M5 - application of ointments/medications (other than to feet) be coded? Thanks.   -----Original Message----- From: Swift, Marianne F. Sent: Monday, December 29, 2003 11:47 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Actinic skin changes How should the following skin changes be coded on the MDS? A recent Dermatology appointment led to the prescription of topical 5-FU for actinic skin changes on the dorsal aspect of his hands. Should anything be coded in M4 or should just M5 - application of ointments/medications (other than to feet) be coded? Thanks.