2025 CPT code 40820
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Surgery Feed
Destruction of lesion or scar of vestibule of mouth by physical methods (e.g., laser, thermal, cryo, chemical)
Modifiers may be applicable. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity must be established for this procedure. This typically involves demonstrating that the lesion is symptomatic, interferes with function, or poses a risk of malignancy.
The clinician prepares the patient, administers anesthesia, and then utilizes the chosen physical method (laser, cryotherapy, chemical) to destroy the lesion or scar within the vestibule of the mouth.
In simple words: This procedure removes a lesion or scar inside your mouth using methods like freezing, heating, lasers, or chemicals.
This code describes the destruction of a lesion or scar in the vestibule of the mouth using physical methods such as laser, thermal, cryosurgery, or chemical ablation.It does not include excisional procedures.
Example 1: A patient presents with a small, benign lesion on the inner surface of their cheek. Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen is employed to freeze and destroy the lesion., A patient with a vascular lesion in the vestibule of their mouth undergoes laser therapy to ablate the lesion and cauterize surrounding tissue., A patient with a premalignant lesion in the vestibule undergoes chemical ablation to destroy the abnormal tissue.
Documentation should include the location, size, and type of lesion; the method of destruction used; the type of anesthesia; and any complications encountered. Photographs may also be helpful.
** The vestibule of the mouth is the area between the cheeks and teeth.
- Specialties:Oral Surgery, Dentistry, Otolaryngology
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Outpatient Hospital