2025 CPT code 11603

Excision of a malignant lesion, including margins, from the trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 2.1 to 3.0 cm.

Code selection is based on the excised diameter (lesion diameter + margin), not the lesion size alone. Modifier 58 is used for staged or related procedures during the postoperative period. Modifier 59 is used for distinct procedural services at the same session.

Modifiers may apply, such as 58 (staged procedure), 59 (distinct procedure), or modifiers for anatomical location.

Medical necessity is established by a pathology report confirming a malignant skin lesion.The excision must aim to remove the entire lesion with appropriate margins to prevent recurrence.

The physician prepares the area, administers local anesthesia, excises the lesion with appropriate margins, controls bleeding, and closes the wound. They may also perform a frozen section or send the specimen for pathological analysis.

IMPORTANT For lesions of different sizes, use 11600-11602, 11604, 11606. For destruction of malignant lesions, see 17260-17286. If more complex closure is required, see 12031-12057 or 13100-13153.For adjacent tissue transfer, see 14000-14302.

In simple words: Removal of skin cancer, like melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma, from the body, arms, or legs. The area is numbed, the cancer and some surrounding skin is removed, and then the skin is stitched closed.The removed piece is examined to ensure all the cancer is gone.This code is for cancers between 2.1 and 3.0 cm.

Excision of a malignant skin lesion, including margins, on the trunk, arms, or legs, with an excised diameter of 2.1 to 3.0 cm. This includes local anesthesia and simple closure. The excised diameter is the lesion's greatest clinical diameter plus the required margin for complete excision, measured before the procedure.

Example 1: A 2.5 cm melanoma on the patient's back is excised with a 0.5 cm margin under local anesthesia., A 2.2 cm squamous cell carcinoma on the patient's arm is excised, and the defect is closed with simple sutures., A biopsy reveals a basal cell carcinoma on the leg. The 2.8 cm lesion is excised with clear margins.

Documentation should include lesion size and location, margins taken, method of closure, anesthesia used, and pathology report confirming malignancy. Pre- and postoperative photographs are helpful.

  • Revenue Code: P5A (Berenson-Eggers Type of Service: AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - SKIN)
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Surgical Oncology
  • Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
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