How To Use cpt 11301

cpt 11301 describes the shaving of an epidermal or dermal lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs with a diameter of 0.6 to 1.0 cm. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11301.

1. What is cpt 11301?

cpt 11301 is a code used to describe the shaving of an epidermal or dermal lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs with a diameter ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 cm. This procedure involves the removal of a single lesion using a blade, without disturbing the subcutaneous tissue. The provider may also use cautery to control bleeding, but suturing is not required. The wound is then dressed to promote healing.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11301 is: ‘Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, trunk, arms or legs lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm.’

3. Procedure

During the cpt 11301 procedure, the provider prepares the patient and administers local anesthesia to the area. Using a blade, the provider holds it horizontally to the skin and moves it across the lesion with a sawing motion. The shaving typically extends to the middle dermis without disturbing the subcutaneous tissue. Cautery may be used to control bleeding, and no suturing is required. The provider then dresses the wound to promote healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11301 is performed on patients with epidermal or dermal lesions on the trunk, arms, or legs with a diameter ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 cm. These lesions can be either benign or malignant. The procedure is appropriate when the provider determines that shaving is the most suitable method for removing the lesion without the need for full-thickness excision. It is important to note that the procedure is not appropriate for lesions with a diameter of 0.5 cm or less or over 1.0 cm.

5. When to use cpt code 11301

cpt 11301 should be used when a provider performs the shaving procedure on a single epidermal or dermal lesion with a diameter ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 cm on the trunk, arms, or legs. It is important to accurately measure the lesion’s diameter to ensure proper coding. If the lesion’s diameter is smaller or larger than the specified range, a different cpt code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11301, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the shaving procedure
• Location and size of the lesion
• Details of the procedure, including the use of anesthesia and cautery
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Post-procedure instructions and follow-up plans
• Provider’s signature and credentials

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11301, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The provider should document the lesion’s size, location, and the use of anesthesia and cautery. It is important to note that cpt 11301 should not be reported for lesions with a diameter smaller or larger than the specified range. If multiple lesions are removed during the same session, modifier 59 should be appended to indicate that each lesion is a distinct procedural service.

8. Historical information

cpt 11301 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to cpt 11301

There are several similar codes to cpt 11301 that describe the shaving of epidermal or dermal lesions on different body parts or with different lesion diameters. These codes include:

• cpt 11300: Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less
• cpt 11302: Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 1.1 to 2.0 cm
• cpt 11303: Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter over 2.0 cm

9. Examples

1. A dermatologist performs cpt 11301 to shave off a 0.8 cm diameter epidermal lesion on a patient’s arm.
2. A plastic surgeon uses cpt 11301 to remove a 0.7 cm diameter dermal lesion on a patient’s leg.
3. A general surgeon performs cpt 11301 to shave off a 0.9 cm diameter epidermal lesion on a patient’s trunk.
4. A dermatologist uses cpt 11301 to remove a 0.6 cm diameter dermal lesion on a patient’s arm.
5. A plastic surgeon performs cpt 11301 to shave off a 1.0 cm diameter epidermal lesion on a patient’s leg.
6. A general surgeon uses cpt 11301 to remove a 0.8 cm diameter dermal lesion on a patient’s trunk.
7. A dermatologist performs cpt 11301 to shave off a 0.7 cm diameter epidermal lesion on a patient’s arm.
8. A plastic surgeon uses cpt 11301 to remove a 0.9 cm diameter dermal lesion on a patient’s leg.
9. A general surgeon performs cpt 11301 to shave off a 0.6 cm diameter epidermal lesion on a patient’s trunk.
10. A dermatologist uses cpt 11301 to remove a 1.0 cm diameter dermal lesion on a patient’s arm.