2025 CPT code 17281
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Destruction Procedures Integumentary System Feed
Destruction of a malignant lesion (e.g., using laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettage) on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes; lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 22 (increased procedural services) may be used if the procedure is more extensive than usual, and modifier 51 (multiple procedures) might be used if multiple lesions are destroyed during the same session.
Medical necessity is established through documentation demonstrating the lesion is malignant and requires destruction to prevent further growth, potential metastasis, or cosmetic concerns.The chosen method of destruction should be clinically appropriate for the lesion type and location.
The physician is responsible for assessing the lesion, determining the appropriate method of destruction, administering anesthesia (if necessary), performing the procedure, and providing appropriate post-procedure care and instructions.Documentation must demonstrate medical necessity.
In simple words: This code covers the removal of a cancerous growth on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or inside the mouth. The growth must be small (between 0.6 and 1.0 cm). The doctor might use a laser, electricity, freezing, chemicals, or a scraping tool to remove it.
This CPT code, 17281, describes the destruction of a malignant lesion located on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes.The lesion's diameter must be between 0.6 and 1.0 cm.Destruction may be accomplished through various methods, including laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettage.The procedure may involve local anesthesia.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with a 0.8 cm malignant melanoma on his left cheek.The physician performs electrosurgical destruction of the lesion under local anesthesia., A 40-year-old female presents with a 0.7 cm basal cell carcinoma on her nose. The physician performs cryosurgical destruction of the lesion., A 72-year-old male presents with a 0.9 cm squamous cell carcinoma on his lower lip.The physician performs chemosurgical destruction of the lesion.
Complete medical history, physical examination documenting the lesion's size, location, and characteristics, photographic documentation of the lesion before and after treatment, pathology report confirming the diagnosis and adequacy of resection margins (if applicable), details of the method of destruction used, anesthesia administered, and post-operative instructions provided to the patient.
** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and coding guidelines for the most up-to-date information on this code. This information is current as of December 3, 2024.
- Revenue Code: P5A (Ambulatory Procedures - Skin)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code vary depending on the geographic location, payer, and other factors.Consult your specific payer's fee schedule for the most accurate RVU and reimbursement information.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code because it represents the entire procedure.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not provided here. Consult the AMA CPT codebook or your specific payer's historical fee schedules for this information.
- Specialties:Dermatology, Oncology, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgery Center, Hospital Outpatient Department