2025 CPT code 17266
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Destruction of malignant lesion, trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter over 4.0 cm.
Modifiers may be applicable to indicate specific circumstances of the procedure (e.g., increased procedural services, multiple procedures). Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for this procedure must be established by confirming the diagnosis of a malignant skin lesion through biopsy or clinical findings consistent with skin malignancy.
The physician is responsible for preparing the patient, administering local anesthesia (if necessary), performing the destruction procedure, and providing post-procedure care.
In simple words: Removal of a cancerous spot on the body (excluding face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and mucous membrane) that is larger than 4.0 cm across, using methods like freezing, burning, or scraping.
Destruction of a malignant lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs using any method (e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), when the lesion diameter is over 4.0 cm. This includes local anesthesia but does not typically require closure.
Example 1: A patient presents with a 5 cm malignant melanoma on their back. The physician performs cryosurgery to destroy the lesion., A patient with a 4.5 cm squamous cell carcinoma on their arm undergoes laser surgery for lesion destruction., A patient has a 6 cm basal cell carcinoma on their leg. The physician performs electrosurgery to destroy the lesion.
Documentation should include the lesion's location, size, and method of destruction. A pathology report confirming the diagnosis of malignancy should also be included.
** The information provided is current as of December 1, 2024, and may be subject to change. Always verify coding guidelines with the latest CPT manual and payer policies.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Dermatology, Surgical Oncology, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center