2025 CPT code 17280

Destruction of a malignant lesion (≤0.5 cm diameter) on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes using various methods (e.g., laser, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, curettage).

Follow current AMA CPT coding guidelines. Accurate documentation is crucial for proper coding and reimbursement.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., 51 for multiple procedures, 59 for distinct procedural service, -XX for anesthesia modifiers if applicable). Consult the most current CPT guidelines for correct modifier use.

Medical necessity is established when the lesion is diagnosed as malignant and poses a risk to the patient's health.The chosen method of destruction should be the most appropriate and least invasive option to remove the lesion completely.

The physician's responsibility includes evaluating the lesion, determining the appropriate method of destruction, performing the procedure, and documenting the details of the procedure in the patient's chart.This may include pre-operative preparation, local anesthesia administration, and post-operative instructions.

IMPORTANT Related codes include 17281 (lesion diameter 0.6-1.0 cm), 17260, 17261, 17270, 17271 (for different body locations).For excision rather than destruction, refer to codes 11440-11446.Other destruction methods may require different codes (e.g., laser treatment for inflammatory skin disease, 96920-96922).

In simple words: This code covers the removal of a cancerous skin growth (smaller than 0.5 cm) on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or inside the mouth using methods like freezing, burning, or special chemicals.

This CPT code encompasses the destruction of a malignant lesion, measuring 0.5 cm or less in diameter, located on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes.The destruction may be achieved through various techniques including, but not limited to, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery (using chemical agents), or surgical curettage.Local anesthesia may be administered prior to the procedure. The procedure involves the complete ablation of the malignant tissue.

Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with a 0.3 cm basal cell carcinoma on his left lower eyelid. The physician performs cryosurgery to destroy the lesion., A 40-year-old female presents with a 0.4 cm squamous cell carcinoma on her upper lip.The physician uses electrosurgery to remove the lesion., A 72-year-old male with a history of actinic keratosis has a 0.5 cm lesion on his nose. The physician uses curettage and electrodesiccation to destroy the lesion.

* Detailed history and physical examination findings* Documentation of the lesion's size, location, and characteristics (e.g., color, texture)* Photographs of the lesion (before and after the procedure)* Description of the method used for lesion destruction* Anesthesia administered (if any)* Pathology report (if a tissue sample was taken)* Post-operative instructions given to the patient

** This code should only be used for malignant lesions.Benign lesions require different codes (e.g., 11440-11446 for excision). Always refer to the most up-to-date CPT codebook for any changes or updates.

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