AI coding tools are flooding dermatology. The seven vendor questions that separate real tools from compliance exposure on your bottom line.

Practices buy RPA for judgment work and AI for button-pushing. Where each belongs in plastic surgery billing — our companion to PS2PM’s AI guide.

Free-flap breast reconstruction (CPT 19364: DIEP, fTRAM, SIEA, GAP) is WHCRA-mandated. The S-code sunset and co-surgeon billing decide what it pays.

Endovenous vein ablation (36475 RF, 36478 laser) is covered for documented saphenous reflux after a failed compression trial — not for spider veins or appearance.

Breast reduction (CPT 19318) coverage isn’t only the Schnur gram threshold — two documented symptoms can qualify it, and prior auth decides whether it pays.

Functional blepharoplasty (CPT 15823) is covered only when excess eyelid skin blocks vision — and the visual field test, not the photo, is what proves it.

Lipedema liposuction (CPT 15877-15879) uses the same codes as cosmetic lipo, so payers deny by default. The documentation that actually gets it covered.

Therapeutic Botox (J0585 + 64615) is covered for chronic migraine and more — but the unit count, JW/JZ wastage, and failed-preventive gate decide the claim.

Benign lesion removal (CPT 17110, 11400-11446) is covered only when symptomatic — and the ICD-10 diagnosis, not the procedure, decides whether it pays.

Septoplasty (30520) is covered for functional nasal obstruction, not for a deviated septum on its own. The line is documented obstruction plus failed medical therapy.