2025 CPT code 11922
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Introduction or Removal Procedures on the Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Tattooing, intradermal introduction of insoluble opaque pigments to correct color defects of skin, including micropigmentation; each additional 20.0 sq cm, or part thereof.
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations, such as modifier 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) if performed on separate lesions or different anatomic sites on the same date of service. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for this procedure must be established.It is generally considered medically necessary for the correction of significant skin color defects that cause psychological distress or functional impairment. Documentation should support the medical necessity of the procedure.
The physician selects pigments that match the patient's skin tone and injects them into the dermis using specialized needles.They ensure even distribution of pigment and remove any excess.Multiple sessions may be required. The physician should document the size of the area treated and any specific techniques employed.
In simple words: This procedure involves tattooing pigments under the skin to correct skin color problems like birthmarks, scars, or vitiligo. This code is for each 20 square centimeter area treated, in addition to the first area.
This code reports the introduction of insoluble opaque pigments into the dermis to correct skin color defects. This technique, which includes micropigmentation, is used to camouflage congenital defects, scars from burns or breast reconstruction, vitiligo, birthmarks, and other skin discolorations.This code is used for each additional 20.0 sq cm, or part thereof, after the first 20.0 sq cm (reported with code 11921). The procedure involves injecting pigments similar to the patient's natural skin tone into the dermis using a needle or needles. The needles move up and down to distribute the pigment, and excess pigment is wiped away. Micropigmentation may require multiple treatment sessions for optimal results.
Example 1: A patient with vitiligo has a 35 sq cm area of depigmentation on their arm. 11921 would be reported once, and 11922 would also be reported once to account for the additional area treated., A patient undergoes breast reconstruction and has an area of scarring and discoloration measuring 60 sq cm. 11921 would be reported once, and 11922 would be reported twice to cover the additional 40 sq cm. , A patient has a large birthmark covering 100 sq cm. 11921 would be reported once, and 11922 would be reported four times to cover the additional 80 sq cm.
Documentation should include the size of the area treated in square centimeters, the location of the treatment area, the type of pigment used, the technique employed (including micropigmentation if applicable), and the number of treatment sessions if multiple sessions are required.Photographs may be helpful for pre- and post-treatment comparisons.Medical necessity should be clearly documented, including the diagnosis causing the skin discoloration and its impact on the patient's quality of life.
- Revenue Code: P6A - MINOR PROCEDURES - SKIN
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, and potentially other specialties depending on the specific clinical scenario.
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center