2025 CPT code 17280
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Destruction Procedures on Malignant Lesions of the Integumentary System Surgery Feed
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).
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.
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.
- Revenue Code: P5A (Ambulatory Procedures - Skin)
- RVU: Refer to current Medicare fee schedules and local payer reimbursement rates.RVUs vary based on location, facility type, and other factors.
- Global Days : The global period for this procedure is typically 0 days; post-operative care is not usually included and billed separately.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not typically applicable to this code.The code itself reflects the entire service.
- Fee Schedule : Fee schedules vary widely by payer and geographic location. Check current payer fee schedules.
- Specialties:Dermatology, Oncology, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center