2025 CPT code 17286
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Destruction of malignant lesion, any method (e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane; lesion diameter over 4.0 cm.
Modifiers may be applicable. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate use.
Medical necessity must be established by documenting the diagnosis of a malignant skin lesion requiring destruction.
The physician is responsible for preparing the patient, administering anesthesia (if necessary), selecting the appropriate destruction method, and performing the procedure to destroy the malignant lesion.
In simple words: This procedure involves removing a cancerous skin growth on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or inside the mouth that is larger than 4 centimeters.The doctor may use different techniques like freezing, burning, scraping, or laser to destroy the growth.
This code describes the destruction of a malignant skin lesion larger than 4.0 cm in diameter located on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane.Destruction methods include laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, and surgical curettement.
Example 1: A patient presents with a basal cell carcinoma on their right cheek measuring 4.5 cm. The physician performs cryosurgery using liquid nitrogen to destroy the lesion., A patient has a squamous cell carcinoma on their nose measuring 5.2 cm. The physician uses electrosurgery to destroy the lesion., A patient with a melanoma on their lower lip measuring 4.1 cm undergoes laser surgery for lesion destruction.
Documentation should include lesion size, location, description, method of destruction, and any associated procedures (e.g. anesthesia administration).
** It is essential to consult iFrameAI for the most current and comprehensive information regarding CPT codes and related guidelines.
- Revenue Code: P5A (Ambulatory Procedures - Skin)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Mohs Surgery, potentially others depending on location
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center