2025 CPT code 17003
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Destruction of premalignant lesions (e.g., actinic keratoses), second through fourteenth lesions.
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations, such as if a procedure is reduced (modifier -52), or if distinct procedural services are performed (modifier -59). Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of premalignant skin lesions that require treatment to prevent progression to skin cancer.The medical record should document the diagnosis, the size and location of the lesions, and any prior treatments.
The physician prepares the patient and may administer local anesthesia. The physician then destroys the premalignant lesions using a chosen method, such as laser, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, or chemosurgery. The physician ensures the surrounding tissue is not damaged during the procedure.
In simple words: This code is used for the removal of pre-cancerous skin spots, like actinic keratoses, from the second up to the fourteenth spot removed during the same visit.Different methods, such as freezing, burning, or scraping, can be used.This code is used in addition to the code for the first spot removed.
Destruction (e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement) of premalignant lesions (e.g., actinic keratoses), second through fourteenth lesions. Each lesion is listed separately in addition to the code for the first lesion (17000).
Example 1: A patient presents with seven actinic keratoses on their face. The physician destroys all lesions using cryotherapy. 17000 is reported once, and 17003 is reported six times., A patient has 12 actinic keratoses on their scalp and 5 on their back. The physician treats the scalp lesions during this visit. 17000 is reported once, and 17003 is reported eleven times., A patient with three premalignant lesions on their arm undergoes laser destruction. 17000 is reported once, and 17003 is reported two times.
The medical record should document the number and location of lesions treated, the method of destruction used, and any anesthesia administered. The diagnosis should be clearly stated, and the medical necessity of the procedure should be justified.
** Code 17003 is for the destruction of premalignant lesions only. It is not applicable to benign lesions or other skin conditions. Always refer to the most current CPT coding guidelines for accurate reporting.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, potentially other surgical specialties
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center