Coding guide for Skin Biopsy CPT codes

We are have specific CPT codes for skin biopsy. These procedure codes will be more specific compared to previous procedure codes. Their are around 6  CPT codes for skin biopsy, punch biopy and incisional biopsy. Before going ahead have a look at the some of the coding tips for different facility in coding.

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Deleted CPT codes for skin biopsy from 2019

CPT code 11100 and 11101 are deleted in 2019. We will be having 6 new CPT codes in place of these codes. 

11100 ; Biopsy of skin, subcutaneous tissue and/or mucous membrane (including simple closure), unless otherwise listed; single lesion

11101 ; each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) 

Read also: Superb coding guide for Lung biopsy CPT code

New CPT codes for skin, punch & tangential biopsy 

A skin biopsy, using shave, scoop, saucerize or curette technique. is done to remove small, raised skin lesions including dermal nevi, non-melanocytic malignant tumors (squamous cell, basal cell carcinomas), and inflammatory or bullous skin disorders.  

Skin biopsies are reported based on one of three techniques used: tangential, punch, or incisional. Tangential technique describes a biopsy performed via a sharp blade to obtain a superficial, epidermal tissue specimen that may or may not include sections of underlying dermis and does not involve a full-thickness biopsy. Punch technique involves the use of a specific punch tool to obtain a full-thickness, barrel-shaped, or columnar-shaped specimen. Simple closure, including any manipulation of the biopsy defect, is included in the performance of a punch biopsy. The incisional biopsy technique describes a biopsy utilizing a sharp blade (no punch tool) to obtain a full-thickness specimen via a wedge or vertical incision. This technique type may involve specimens of subcutaneous fat. Closure of an incisional biopsy, other than simple closure, is reported separately.

               

CPT code 11002 is reported for a tangential biopsy, initial lesion; each additional lesion, use CPT code 11003. Report 11004 for a punch biopsy, initial lesion; each additional lesion, use CPT code 11005. CPT code 11006 is reported  for an incisional biopsy, initial lesion; each additional lesion, use CPT code 11007.

CPT code 11102 is reported for  a single lesion removed by tangential skin biopsy and code 11103 for each additional lesion.

11102 – Tangential biopsy of skin (eg, shave, scoop, saucerize, curette); single lesion
11103 – Tangential biopsy of skin (eg, shave, scoop, saucerize, curette); each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
A punch biopsy is done to remove or sample a variety of skin lesions including pigmented nevi, superficial inflammatory dermatoses, papulosquamous, granulomatous, bullous, or connective tissue disorders, and benign appearing tumors. A punch biopsy removes a circular plug of skin, reticular dermis, and subcutaneous fat in a cylindrical sample. 
CPT code 11104, is used to report a single lesion removed by punch biopsy including simple closure when performed and code 11105 for each additional lesion.
11104 – Punch biopsy of skin (including simple closure, when performed); single lesion
11105 – Punch biopsy of skin (including simple closure, when performed); each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
An incisional skin biopsy is done to remove a small wedge of tissue from a lesion to identify the composition and type of cells within the lesion. Incisional biopsy may be performed when a lesion is large to determine the best treatment options and ensure an acceptable cosmetic outcome.
CPT code 11106 is used to report incisional biopsy of a single skin lesion and code 11107 for incision biopsy of each separate/additional lesion
11106 – Incisional biopsy of skin (eg, wedge) (including simple closure, when performed); single lesion
11107– Incisional biopsy of skin (eg, wedge) (including simple closure, when performed); each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Biopsies performed on different lesions or different sites on the same date of service may be reported separately, as they are not considered components of other procedures

3 Thoughts to “Coding guide for Skin Biopsy CPT codes”

  1. […] A. 11100 x 2 B. +11101 x 2 C. 11100 D. 11100, +11101(deleted in 2019) new CPT codes will be 11102 & +11103 for tangential biopsy […]

  2. […] the body. For this test, a small, microphone-like instrument called a transducer is placed on the skin (which is often first lubricated with ultrasound gel). It emits sound waves and picks up the echoes […]

  3. […] may cause a slight tingling or burning sensation. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the area. A biopsy specimen of cervical tissue is removed by the loop electrode excision procedure (LEEP). LEEP uses a […]

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