Use 11400-11446 Code Range for Dermal Lesion Excisions
Question: A surgeon excised a benign lesion from a patient’s left arm. The excised diameter plus margins measured 1.25 cm. The lesion originated in the dermis and extended to the subcutaneous tissue. Should I report a musculoskeletal excision code for this procedure? Tennessee Subscriber Answer: No, you won’t assign a musculoskeletal excision code for the procedure. Instead, use 11402 (Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), trunk, arms or legs; excised diameter 1.1 to 2.0 cm) to report the procedure. While the lesion extended to the subcutaneous tissue, it started in the dermis, which is located at the cutaneous level. Per the CPT® guidelines, you will use the 11400-11446 code range “[f]or excision of benign lesions of cutaneous origin.” Additionally, musculoskeletal system excision codes should be reported “when the lesions are located in deep subfascial or submuscular tissues,” according to CPT® Assistant, Volume 28, Issue 9. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Production Editor, AAPC
