2025 CPT code 11440

Excision of benign skin lesion, 0.5 cm or less, with simple closure.

Follow current CPT coding guidelines for excision of benign skin lesions.Accurate measurement of the lesion is crucial for code selection. Appropriate modifiers should be used for multiple lesions or other circumstances.

Modifiers may be applicable in various scenarios such as multiple lesions (modifier 59), different sites (anatomic modifiers), or additional services.

Medical necessity is established by documentation showing the lesion is causing symptomatic interference with function or presents a cosmetic concern requiring medical intervention.Documentation supporting the medical necessity for excision should be clear and concise.

The clinical responsibility involves pre-operative assessment, obtaining informed consent, surgical excision of the lesion with adequate margins, hemostasis (control of bleeding), and wound closure.Histopathological evaluation of the excised tissue is also a part of the clinical responsibility. Postoperative care instructions are provided.

IMPORTANT For lesions larger than 0.5 cm, refer to CPT codes 11441-11446.For shave removal, see CPT codes 11300 and following. For electrosurgical or other methods, see CPT codes 17000 and following.If multiple lesions are excised, modifier 59 may be necessary.

In simple words: The doctor removes a small, non-cancerous growth from your face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mouth. The area is then stitched closed with a simple stitch.

This CPT code encompasses the surgical excision of a benign (non-cancerous) lesion from the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes. The procedure includes the removal of the lesion with adequate margins, and the greatest clinical diameter of the lesion plus margins measures 0.5 cm or less.A simple, non-layered closure is included.The excised tissue is sent for pathological examination.

Example 1: A 45-year-old patient presents with a 0.4 cm benign nevus on the right cheek. Excision with simple closure is performed., A 60-year-old patient has a 0.2 cm seborrheic keratosis on the left earlobe. The lesion is excised and closed with simple sutures., A 22-year-old presents with a small, 0.3 cm, benign epidermal inclusion cyst on the lower lip. It is excised and closed using simple interrupted sutures.

Complete medical history, physical examination noting location, size, and characteristics of lesion.Preoperative photographs.Operative report detailing technique, size and nature of lesion excised, and closure method.Pathology report confirming benign nature of the lesion. Postoperative notes documenting wound healing.

** Removal of benign skin lesions that are purely cosmetic and do not affect function are generally not covered by insurance.

  • Revenue Code: P6A (Minor Procedures - Skin)
  • RVU: Information not provided.RVUs vary based on geographic location and other factors. Consult a local fee schedule for current values.
  • Global Days : Information not provided. The global period depends on the complexity of the procedure and the surgeon's practice guidelines.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.This is a complete procedure.
  • Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedules are not available here. Fee schedules vary based on location and payer.
  • Specialties:Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, General Surgery
  • Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient)
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