2025 CPT code 11311
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane; lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm.
Modifier 59 may be used to indicate a distinct procedural service when multiple lesions are removed. Other modifiers may be applicable depending on specific circumstances.
Medical necessity for 11311 must be supported by documentation justifying the procedure, such as the presence of a symptomatic or suspicious skin lesion requiring removal for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The documentation should clearly state the clinical rationale for shaving the lesion.
The physician prepares the patient, anesthetizes the area, and then uses a blade to shave the lesion. Cautery is used to control bleeding, and the wound is dressed. Suturing is typically not required.
In simple words: A procedure where a doctor shaves off a small skin lesion (0.6 to 1.0 cm) on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or inside the mouth. The area is numbed, and a tool is used to remove the lesion. No stitches are needed.
The provider shaves off a single epidermal or dermal lesion measuring 0.6 to 1.0 cm in diameter from the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane. This includes local anesthesia and chemical or electrocauterization of the wound.The wound does not require suture closure.
Example 1: A patient presents with a 0.7 cm benign lesion on their nose. The physician uses a scalpel blade to shave the lesion and cauterizes the wound., A patient has a 0.9 cm raised lesion on their lip. After administering local anesthesia, the provider shaves the lesion. Electrocautery is used to stop any minimal bleeding, and the wound is left to heal., A patient has a 0.6 cm lesion inside their mouth on the mucous membrane. The physician performs a shave biopsy of the lesion using a specialized blade and cauterizes the area.
Documentation should include the location, size, and description of the lesion. The method of removal (shaving), use of anesthesia and cautery, and the absence of sutures should also be noted. Any relevant pre- or post-operative diagnoses should be documented.
- Revenue Code: P6A - Minor Procedures - Skin
- Specialties:Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Family Medicine, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center