2025 CPT code 11921
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Tattooing to correct skin color defects; 6.1 to 20.0 sq cm
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.Consult the CPT manual and payer guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for this procedure is usually established when the skin defect significantly impacts the patient's psychological well-being or self-image, and when less invasive treatments have proven ineffective.It is recommended to check with the specific payer's policy before performing the procedure to ensure coverage.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for selecting the appropriate pigments, injecting them accurately, ensuring proper skin preparation and aftercare instructions, managing any complications and addressing patient concerns about cosmetic results.
In simple words: This code covers a medical tattoo procedure to hide skin discoloration.A special tattoo needle inserts pigments into the skin to match the natural skin tone, covering defects from birthmarks, burns, or other conditions. The area covered is between 6.1 and 20 square centimeters.
Intradermal introduction of insoluble opaque pigments to correct color defects of the skin, including micropigmentation, for an area measuring 6.1 to 20.0 square centimeters.The procedure involves injecting pigments into the dermis to camouflage defects resulting from congenital defects, breast reconstruction, burns, vitiligo, birthmarks, or other conditions.A single needle or set of needles is used, penetrating the epidermis and dermis to implant the pigments. Excess pigment is wiped away. Micropigmentation, a more precise technique, may require multiple sessions.
Example 1: A patient with a large vitiligo patch on their arm (10 sq cm) needs camouflage tattooing to improve their appearance and self-esteem., A burn survivor requires tattooing to cover a 15 sq cm scar on their leg, improving the skin's cosmetic appearance., A patient with a congenital birthmark (8 sq cm) on their face seeks permanent camouflage using a medical tattoo.
* Detailed medical history, including the cause and nature of the skin defect.* Photographic documentation of the skin defect before, during, and after the procedure.* Precise measurements of the tattooed area in square centimeters.* Description of the pigments used.* Documentation of the technique used (e.g., micropigmentation).* Documentation of the number of sessions if applicable.* Patient education and aftercare instructions.
** This procedure is considered cosmetic in some instances, so verification of insurance coverage is crucial.The area must be measured accurately to select the correct CPT code.The use of add-on code 11922 requires a detailed explanation in the medical record.
- Revenue Code: P6A (Minor Procedures - Skin)
- RVU: The relative value units (RVUs) for CPT code 11921 will vary based on factors such as geographic location, facility type, and other variables considered by the payer.Consult the appropriate fee schedule for specific RVU values and payment rates.
- Global Days : The global surgical period for CPT code 11921 is not explicitly defined.It may be necessary to refer to payer-specific guidelines for details on the post-operative follow up period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The Technical Component (TC) modifier may be applicable depending on the setting and the provider’s role in the procedure.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not available in the provided source. Consult a reputable fee schedule database for this information.
- Specialties:Dermatology, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center