2025 CPT code 17261
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Destruction of malignant lesion, trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm.
Modifiers may be applicable. Modifier 59 may be necessary to distinguish this procedure from other procedures performed on the same day if they are not normally performed together.
Medical necessity must be established by documenting the diagnosis of a malignant skin lesion requiring destruction. The size and location should be clearly indicated. Photographs may be helpful supporting documentation.
The physician is responsible for preparing the patient, administering local anesthesia (if necessary), and destroying the malignant lesion.Various methods can be employed, including laser, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or curettage.
In simple words: This code represents the removal of a cancerous skin growth on the body (excluding the head, neck, hands, feet, and genitals) measuring between 0.6 and 1.0 cm.The removal is done using a destructive method, such as freezing, burning, or scraping.This procedure includes any numbing medication needed.
Destruction of a malignant lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs using any method (e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), with a lesion diameter of 0.6 to 1.0 cm. Includes local anesthesia.
Example 1: A patient presents with a 0.7 cm malignant melanoma on their back. The physician uses cryosurgery to destroy the lesion., A patient has a 0.9 cm squamous cell carcinoma on their arm. The physician performs electrosurgical destruction of the lesion., A patient with a 0.6 cm basal cell carcinoma on their leg undergoes laser destruction of the lesion.
Documentation should include the location and size (diameter) of the lesion, the method of destruction used, and any anesthesia administered. Confirmation of the malignant nature of the lesion via pathology report is crucial.
- Revenue Code: P5A (AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - SKIN)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Dermatology, Surgical Oncology, Plastic Surgery, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center