2025 CPT code 17260
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Destruction of a malignant lesion (e.g., using laser, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or curettage) on the trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less.
Modifiers may apply depending on circumstances, such as multiple lesions (modifier 51) or reduced services (modifier 52).Check payer-specific rules.
The medical necessity for this procedure is established when a malignant lesion is diagnosed and requires removal to prevent further growth, local invasion, or metastasis.Documentation should clearly indicate the malignancy and the rationale for choosing the destruction method.
The physician is responsible for pre-procedure preparation (including potential local anesthesia), selection of the appropriate destruction method, performing the procedure, and ensuring proper documentation of the lesion characteristics and treatment method.
In simple words: This code covers the removal of a small cancerous growth (0.5 cm or smaller) on the torso, arms, or legs.The doctor might use a laser, electric current, freezing, chemicals, or a scraping tool to get rid of the growth.
This CPT code encompasses the destruction of a malignant lesion located on the trunk, arms, or legs, measuring 0.5 cm or less in diameter.Destruction may be achieved through various methods, including laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery (using chemical agents), or surgical curettage. The procedure may involve local anesthesia administration prior to lesion destruction. Accurate documentation of the method used and lesion characteristics is crucial for proper coding.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with a 0.4 cm basal cell carcinoma on his left forearm. The physician performs cryosurgery to destroy the lesion., A 40-year-old female has a 0.3 cm malignant melanoma on her back. The physician uses electrosurgery to remove the lesion., A 72-year-old patient with a 0.5 cm squamous cell carcinoma on his right leg undergoes curettage and destruction of the lesion using chemosurgery.
* Complete patient history and physical examination.* Detailed description of the lesion (location, size, appearance, biopsy results if applicable).* Documentation of the method of destruction used.* Images (before and after procedure, if available).* Pathology report (if tissue was removed and sent for analysis).
** This code is specifically for malignant lesions.Benign lesions should be coded appropriately using other CPT codes.
- Revenue Code: P5A (Ambulatory Procedures - Skin)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Dermatology, Surgical Oncology
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient Department