2025 CPT code 17270

Destruction of a malignant lesion (0.5 cm or less) on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia using various methods.

Follow current CPT guidelines for destruction procedures.Accurate documentation is crucial for proper coding.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., 51 for multiple procedures, 22 for increased procedural services, 59 for distinct procedural service). Consult current CPT guidelines and payer specific rules.

Destruction of a malignant lesion is medically necessary when a pathology report confirms a skin malignancy or the clinical presentation is consistent with a skin malignancy.The size and location of the lesion will determine the appropriate destruction code.

The physician is responsible for prepping the patient, potentially administering local anesthesia, and performing the lesion destruction using an appropriate method based on the lesion and patient factors.Post-procedure care and follow-up may also be the physician’s responsibility.

IMPORTANT Codes 17271-17276 are used for malignant lesions larger than 0.5cm.For excision, refer to codes 11600-11646. For destruction of benign or premalignant lesions, refer to other relevant CPT codes.

In simple words: The doctor removes a small cancerous spot (0.5 cm or smaller) on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitals using techniques like freezing, burning, or special chemicals.

Destruction of a malignant lesion, 0.5 cm or less in diameter, located on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia.Methods may include chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, laser surgery, or surgical curettement.Local anesthesia may be used.

Example 1: A patient presents with a 0.3 cm basal cell carcinoma on their left hand. The physician uses electrosurgery to destroy the lesion., A patient has a 0.4 cm squamous cell carcinoma in situ on their nose. The physician performs cryosurgery to destroy the lesion., A patient with a 0.2 cm malignant melanoma on their scalp undergoes laser surgery for lesion destruction.

** Accurate documentation of the lesion's size is critical for selecting the correct code within the 17270-17276 series.Always confirm the malignancy with pathology, when possible.

  • Revenue Code: P5A (AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - SKIN)
  • RVU: Refer to CMS fee schedule for current RVU values.
  • Global Days : The global period is typically considered the day of the procedure only.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not typically applied to this code.
  • Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedules vary widely by payer and location. Consult historical payer fee schedules for relevant information.
  • Specialties:Dermatology, Surgical Oncology
  • Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgery Center, Hospital Outpatient Department
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