2025 CPT code 17004
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Destruction of 15 or more premalignant skin lesions (e.g., actinic keratoses) using various methods.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure, such as location, anesthesia used, and other factors.Consult the CPT manual for appropriate modifier usage.
The medical necessity for this procedure is determined by the presence of premalignant lesions that pose a significant risk of developing into skin cancer.The treatment aims to prevent malignant transformation and improve patient outcomes.
The physician is responsible for pre-procedure preparation (including anesthesia if needed), precise destruction of the lesions, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue, and post-procedure care.
In simple words: This code describes the removal of 15 or more precancerous skin spots using techniques like freezing, burning, chemicals, or lasers.The doctor carefully removes the spots without harming the surrounding skin.
This CPT code encompasses the destruction of fifteen or more premalignant lesions, such as actinic keratoses, using methods including but not limited to chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or laser surgery.The procedure involves the ablation of the lesions without significant damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Local anesthesia may be administered.Surgical curettage may be used in conjunction with other methods.
Example 1: A patient presents with 20 actinic keratoses on their face and scalp. The physician uses cryosurgery to destroy the lesions., A patient has 18 precancerous lesions on their back. The physician employs electrosurgery for lesion destruction, ensuring minimal scarring., A patient with 25 premalignant lesions undergoes laser ablation under local anesthesia. The physician meticulously targets each lesion to ensure complete removal.
A detailed history and physical examination, including photographs documenting the number and location of lesions.Pre-operative and post-operative notes detailing the procedure, method of destruction, and anesthesia used.Pathology report, if any tissue is sent for biopsy.Appropriate documentation of medical necessity justifying the procedure.
** The number of lesions must be accurately documented.The method of destruction should be specified.This code does not include the destruction of skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions.
- Revenue Code: P5A (AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - SKIN)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable
- Specialties:Dermatology, Surgical Oncology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgery Center