If you're a dermatologist watching claim after claim get denied, you're not alone. Dermatology has some of the highest denial rates in healthcare—but it doesn't have to be that way. After processing thousands of dermatology claims, we've identified the three mistakes that cause 80% of denials.
The most common issues include misusing Modifier -25, inadequate documentation for complex procedures, and incorrect diagnosis-to-procedure matching. These seemingly small errors can cascade into major cash flow problems for your practice.
The bottom line: Most dermatology denials are preventable. Focus on proper modifier usage, detailed documentation, and ensuring your diagnosis codes support your procedures. These fixes alone can reduce your denial rate by 60-80% and improve cash flow by 2-3 weeks.