2025 CPT code 17271

Destruction of a malignant skin lesion (0.6-1.0 cm diameter) on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia using methods like chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or other techniques.

Follow all relevant CPT coding guidelines, particularly those related to destruction of lesions. Accurate measurement and documentation of lesion size is paramount.Each lesion treated is billed individually.

Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., 51 for multiple procedures, 59 for distinct procedural service, or others as per appropriate circumstances). Consult the official CPT manual and payer specific guidelines for modifier usage.

Medical necessity for code 17271 is established by the presence of a malignant skin lesion that poses a threat to the patient's health.The lesion's size, location, and potential for metastasis should justify the destruction procedure.The chosen method of destruction should be clinically appropriate for the lesion's type and location.Documentation must support the medical necessity.

The physician is responsible for pre-procedure patient preparation (including potential local anesthesia administration), accurate assessment of the lesion's size and characteristics, selection of the appropriate destruction method, performance of the procedure, and post-procedure care and documentation.

IMPORTANT For destruction of lesions in other specific anatomical sites, refer to CPT codes 40820, 46900-46917, 46924, 54050-54057, 54065, 56501, 56515, 57061, 57065, 67850, 68135. For laser treatment of inflammatory skin disease, see 96920-96922. For benign lesions, see CPT codes 17000-17004. For excision of lesions, see 11400-11446.

In simple words: The doctor removes a cancerous skin growth (0.6 to 1.0 cm wide) on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitals using methods like freezing, burning with electricity, chemicals, or laser.

This CPT code (17271) represents the destruction of a malignant skin lesion located on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia. The lesion's diameter measures between 0.6 cm and 1.0 cm.Destruction may be achieved through various methods, including but not limited to: chemosurgery (using chemical agents), cryosurgery (freezing), electrosurgery (high-frequency electrical current), laser surgery, or surgical curettage (scraping).The procedure may involve local anesthesia.Accurate documentation of lesion size and treatment method is crucial for proper coding.

Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with a 0.8 cm malignant melanoma on his left hand. The physician uses electrosurgery to destroy the lesion. , A 40-year-old female presents with a 0.7 cm squamous cell carcinoma on her scalp. The physician utilizes cryosurgery to destroy the lesion., A 72-year-old male presents with a 0.9 cm basal cell carcinoma on his right ear. The physician employs chemosurgery with trichloroacetic acid for lesion destruction.

Detailed documentation should include the patient's demographics, lesion location (precise anatomical site), size (diameter), description of the lesion's characteristics (color, texture, borders), method of destruction used, amount of tissue destroyed, and any complications or adverse events.Pre- and post-operative photos are recommended. Pathology results, if available, should be documented.Medical necessity documentation should be included, clearly indicating the reason for the procedure.

** The provided sources contained some conflicting information regarding lesion location. The description in this XML file reflects the most widely accepted and clinically accurate information. Always refer to the official CPT manual and payer guidelines for the most current information.

  • Revenue Code: P5A (Ambulatory Procedures - Skin)
  • RVU: Information not available in provided sources.RVUs vary based on geographic location, payer, and other factors. Consult a relevant fee schedule or pricing database for specific values.
  • Global Days : This code does not typically have a global surgical period as it is a destruction procedure, not a surgical excision.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier does not typically apply to this code as it's generally considered a complete procedure itself.
  • Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not available in the provided sources.Contact your payer for historical information.
  • Specialties:Dermatology, Oncology, Surgical Oncology
  • Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient Department
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