How To Use cpt 11201

cpt 11201 describes the removal of up to 10 additional skin tags in any area of the body, after removing an initial 15 lesions. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11201.

1. What is cpt 11201?

cpt 11201 is a code used to describe the removal of up to 10 additional skin tags in any area of the body, following the removal of an initial 15 lesions. Skin tags are small, benign projections commonly found on the neck, face, armpit, and groin. The procedure involves the use of forceps, scissors, or a blade to remove the skin tags. In some cases, anesthesia may not be necessary for the removal of smaller tags. After the removal, an antibiotic is applied to prevent infection.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11201 is: ‘Removal of skin tags, multiple fibrocutaneous tags, any area each additional 10 lesions, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with cpt 11200, which is used for the removal of up to and including 15 lesions.

3. Procedure

1. After removing an initial 15 lesions, the healthcare provider evaluates the location and size of up to 10 additional skin tags.
2. The provider uses forceps, scissors, or a blade to remove the skin tags.
3. In some cases, smaller tags can be removed without the need for anesthesia.
4. After the removal, the provider applies an antibiotic to prevent infection.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11201 is used when the patient has already undergone the removal of 15 lesions and requires the removal of up to 10 additional skin tags. The procedure is typically performed for cosmetic reasons or if the skin tags are causing discomfort or irritation. It is important to note that cpt 11201 should only be used in conjunction with cpt 11200, which covers the removal of up to and including 15 lesions.

5. When to use cpt code 11201

cpt 11201 should be used when the healthcare provider is removing up to 10 additional skin tags after removing an initial 15 lesions. It is important to use this code in conjunction with cpt 11200 for accurate billing. If the provider is removing benign lesions other than skin tags, different codes should be used (such as cpt 11400 to cpt 11446).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11201, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The number of initial lesions removed
• The location and size of the additional skin tags
• The method used for removal (forceps, scissors, or blade)
• Whether anesthesia was used
• The application of an antibiotic after the removal

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11201, it is important to ensure that the removal of up to 10 additional skin tags is performed after the removal of an initial 15 lesions. This code should be used in conjunction with cpt 11200. It is not appropriate to report cpt 11201 if cpt codes 11200 have not been performed in the same session. Additionally, it is important to consider the location and size of the skin tags when coding this procedure.

8. Historical information

cpt 11201 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been a few changes to the code over the years, with the most recent change occurring on January 1, 2009. The previous description included the removal of skin tags in any area each additional ten lesions, while the current description specifies the removal of up to 10 additional lesions.

9. Similar codes to cpt 11201

Five similar codes to cpt 11201 include:

• cpt 11200: This code is used for the removal of up to and including 15 lesions.
• cpt 11400: This code is used for the excision of benign lesions other than skin tags, up to 0.5 cm.
• cpt 11401: This code is used for the excision of benign lesions other than skin tags, 0.6 to 1.0 cm.
• cpt 11402: This code is used for the excision of benign lesions other than skin tags, 1.1 to 2.0 cm.
• cpt 11403: This code is used for the excision of benign lesions other than skin tags, 2.1 to 3.0 cm.

9. Examples

1. A dermatologist removes an initial 15 lesions and then proceeds to remove 5 additional skin tags on the patient’s neck.
2. A plastic surgeon removes an initial 15 lesions and then removes 8 additional skin tags on the patient’s face.
3. A family physician removes an initial 15 lesions and then removes 10 additional skin tags on the patient’s armpit.
4. A dermatologist removes an initial 15 lesions and then removes 3 additional skin tags on the patient’s groin.
5. A plastic surgeon removes an initial 15 lesions and then removes 6 additional skin tags on the patient’s back.
6. A family physician removes an initial 15 lesions and then removes 9 additional skin tags on the patient’s abdomen.
7. A dermatologist removes an initial 15 lesions and then removes 2 additional skin tags on the patient’s leg.
8. A plastic surgeon removes an initial 15 lesions and then removes 7 additional skin tags on the patient’s arm.
9. A family physician removes an initial 15 lesions and then removes 4 additional skin tags on the patient’s chest.
10. A dermatologist removes an initial 15 lesions and then removes 1 additional skin tag on the patient’s face.