History of Skin Cancer — Low or Moderate Complexity

Question:

I have a question about history of skin cancer and the complexity of the problem. If a patient comes in for follow up for history of skin cancer and the physician does a full skin exam, is the complexity low or moderate?

Answer:

Thank you for your question. The history of skin cancer is considered a chronic condition. However, the determination between low complexity and moderate depends on the condition. If the physician exams the patient and there is no evidence of a recurrence the complexity is low (chronic stable). But if the physician discovers another skin cancer or suspects cancer, the complexity is now moderate (chronic, exacerbating). Keep in mind the complexity of the problem addressed is only one element. There are two other elements, amount and/or complexity data to be reviewed and analyzed and risk of complications and/or morbidity or mortality of patient management which goes into determining the overall level of service. Two of the three elements must be met when determining the level of service based on medical decision making.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 01/08/26.