2025 CPT code 11402
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Excision-Benign Lesions Procedures on the Skin Surgery Feed
Excision of a benign skin lesion (excluding skin tags), 1.1 to 2.0 cm in diameter, including margins, from the trunk, arms, or legs.
Modifiers may be applicable for multiple procedures (51), reduced services (52), distinct procedural services (59), and other relevant circumstances.Always refer to the official CPT manual for guidance on modifier usage.
The excision of benign skin lesions is medically necessary when the lesion is causing cosmetic concern, functional impairment, or suspicion of malignancy, despite benign appearance.
The physician performs the excision, including local anesthesia, full-thickness removal of the lesion with appropriate margins, and simple closure of the wound.The physician may also send the excised tissue for pathological examination.
In simple words: The doctor removes a non-cancerous growth (not a skin tag) from your skin on your torso, arms, or legs.The growth is between 1.1 and 2 centimeters wide, including the extra skin taken to make sure it's all removed. The doctor stitches up the area with simple stitches.
This CPT code encompasses the surgical excision of a benign lesion, excluding skin tags, measuring 1.1 to 2.0 cm in diameter, including margins, from the skin of the trunk, arms, or legs. The procedure involves full-thickness removal of the lesion through the dermis, encompassing the necessary margins for complete excision.Simple closure (non-layered) is included.The excised diameter is measured prior to excision and includes the lesion diameter plus the narrowest margin required for complete excision.Separate reporting is required for each lesion excised. If more than simple closure is required (intermediate or complex), additional codes (11400-11446, 12031-12057, or 13100-13153) should be reported separately.Reconstructive closure requires separate codes (15002-15261, 15570-15770).This code is not separately reportable with adjacent tissue transfer (14000-14302).
Example 1: A 55-year-old male patient presents with a 1.5 cm benign nevus on his left arm. The physician excises the nevus with a 2mm margin, resulting in a 1.9 cm excised diameter. Simple closure is performed., A 30-year-old female patient presents with a 1.2 cm benign fibroma on her back. The physician excises the fibroma with a 3mm margin, resulting in a 1.8 cm excised diameter. Simple closure is performed., A 60-year-old male patient presents with multiple benign lesions on his right leg, one measuring 1.8cm and the other 0.8cm. The physician excises both lesions. Code 11402 is used for the larger lesion and code 11401 is used for the smaller lesion with modifier 59 added to the second code.
** Always ensure accurate measurement of lesion size prior to excision to select the appropriate code.Appropriate documentation is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P5A (Ambulatory Procedures - Skin)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable. This code includes the entire procedure.
- Specialties:Dermatology, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient Department