2025 CPT code 11301
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Shaving of a single epidermal or dermal lesion, 0.6 to 1.0 cm in diameter, located on the trunk, arms, or legs.
Modifiers 25 (significant, separately identifiable E/M service), and 59 (distinct procedural service) may be applicable depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity for shaving of skin lesions is established when the lesion is benign and its removal is deemed necessary for cosmetic reasons, diagnostic purposes (e.g., for biopsy), or to alleviate symptoms such as irritation or itching. The size and location of the lesion should be documented to support the medical necessity.
The physician's responsibility includes preparing the patient, administering local anesthesia, performing the shaving procedure, controlling bleeding (using cautery), and dressing the wound.Accurate documentation of lesion size and depth of removal is critical.
In simple words: The doctor shaves off a small, raised skin bump (0.6 to 1.0 cm) on the torso, arms, or legs.They use a special blade and might use a tool to stop any bleeding.No stitches are needed.
This CPT code (11301) describes the surgical procedure of shaving a single epidermal or dermal lesion measuring between 0.6 and 1.0 centimeters in diameter. The procedure involves using a sharp instrument to shave off the lesion in a horizontal or transverse manner, extending to the mid-dermis without affecting the subcutaneous tissue.Local anesthesia is typically administered, and bleeding is controlled using electrocautery or chemical cautery. Wound closure with sutures is not required; the wound is dressed after the procedure.In certain cases, only the raised portion of a benign lesion might be removed, leaving some tissue in the dermis.
Example 1: A patient presents with a single, raised seborrheic keratosis on their left arm, measuring 0.8 cm in diameter. The physician performs a shave excision using a scalpel and electrocautery to stop bleeding., A patient has three separate actinic keratoses on their back, each measuring between 0.6 and 1.0 cm.The physician shaves each lesion, applying modifier 59 to the additional codes to indicate distinct procedures., A patient presents with a single, raised benign nevus on their leg, measuring 0.7 cm. The physician shaves the raised portion of the lesion, leaving some dermal tissue in place.
** The depth of the shave is critical for accurate coding.A full-thickness removal would be coded as an excision, not a shave. The size of any margin removed is not considered for shaving codes.
- Revenue Code: P6A (Minor Procedures - Skin)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text.RVUs vary based on geographic location and other factors. Consult your local payer's fee schedule.
- Global Days: Not applicable; this is a minor procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule information is not provided. Consult your local payer's fee schedules for historical data.
- Specialties:Dermatology, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center