2025 CPT code 11920
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Tattooing to correct skin color defects; area 6.0 sq cm or less.
Modifiers 22 (Increased Procedural Services), 51 (Multiple Procedures), 52 (Reduced Services), and 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) may be applicable depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity is established when the skin discoloration significantly impacts the patient's psychological well-being or causes functional impairment.The procedure should be considered medically necessary when less invasive treatments have proven ineffective or inappropriate.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional injects pigments into the patient's skin to correct color defects. This requires precise technique and may need multiple sessions.
In simple words: This code covers a procedure where a doctor uses a tattoo to fix skin discoloration caused by birth defects, burns, surgery, or other conditions. The tattooed area must be 6 square centimeters or smaller.It's like a permanent makeup that hides the skin problem.
Intradermal introduction of insoluble opaque pigments to correct color defects of the skin, including micropigmentation; for areas measuring 6.0 square centimeters or less.The procedure involves injecting pigments into the epidermis and dermis to camouflage congenital defects, issues from breast reconstruction, burns, vitiligo, birthmarks, or other similar conditions.Multiple sessions may be required, especially for micropigmentation which demands a more precise technique. Excess pigment is wiped away after application.
Example 1: A patient with a small vitiligo patch on their hand (less than 6 sq cm) undergoes camouflage tattooing to match their natural skin tone., A patient with a burn scar resulting from a minor kitchen accident (less than 6 sq cm) receives a camouflage tattoo to minimize the appearance of the scar., A patient with a small congenital birthmark (less than 6 sq cm) opts for camouflage tattooing to reduce the visibility of the mark.
Detailed medical history including the cause and extent of the skin discoloration.Pre-operative photographs documenting the area to be treated.Consent form.Post-operative photographs to document the results of the procedure.Notes on the pigments used and the number of sessions.
** Micropigmentation, a more precise technique, may be used.The use of this code is restricted to areas of 6.0 sq cm or less.Larger areas require the use of code 11921.
- Revenue Code: P6A (MINOR PROCEDURES - SKIN)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Plastic Surgery, Dermatology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center