How To Use cpt 11311

cpt 11311 describes the shaving of epidermal or dermal lesions on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11311.

1. What is cpt 11311?

cpt 11311 is a code used to describe the shaving of epidermal or dermal lesions on specific areas of the body, including the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes. This procedure involves the removal of a single lesion that measures between 0.6 to 1.0 cm in diameter.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11311 is: ‘Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and the area to be treated is anesthetized.
2. The healthcare provider holds a blade horizontal to the skin and moves it across the lesion with a sawing motion.
3. The shaving procedure usually extends to the middle dermis without disturbing the subcutaneous tissue.
4. Cautery is used to control bleeding, and no suturing is required.
5. In some cases, the provider may remove the raised portion of a benign lesion while allowing additional lesion tissue to persist in the dermis.
6. The wound is dressed to promote healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11311 is performed on patients with epidermal or dermal lesions that measure between 0.6 to 1.0 cm in diameter. The procedure is typically used for benign lesions that do not require full-thickness excision. It is important to note that the procedure is limited to specific areas of the body, including the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, and mucous membranes.

5. When to use cpt code 11311

cpt 11311 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the shaving procedure on a single lesion that meets the specified diameter criteria. It is important to ensure that the lesion is located on one of the eligible areas of the body, as mentioned in the official description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11311, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the shaving procedure
• Location and size of the lesion
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of anesthesia, the technique used for shaving, and the use of cautery
• Any additional treatment or dressing applied
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11311, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to accurately document the size and location of the lesion, as well as any additional procedures or treatments performed. Modifier 59 may be used if multiple lesions are removed during the same session. It is also important to follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of this code.

8. Historical information

cpt 11311 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 11311

Five similar codes to cpt 11311 include:

• cpt 11310: Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less
• cpt 11312: Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane lesion diameter 1.1 to 2.0 cm
• cpt 11313: Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane lesion diameter over 2.0 cm
• cpt 11314: Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm
• cpt 11315: Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia lesion diameter 1.1 to 2.0 cm

9. Examples

1. A dermatologist performing the shaving procedure on a 0.8 cm benign lesion on a patient’s eyelid.
2. A plastic surgeon removing a 0.7 cm epidermal lesion from a patient’s nose using the shaving technique.
3. An otolaryngologist shaving a 0.9 cm dermal lesion on a patient’s earlobe.
4. A dermatologist performing the shaving procedure on a 1.0 cm benign lesion on a patient’s lip.
5. A maxillofacial surgeon removing a 0.6 cm mucous membrane lesion from a patient’s mouth using the shaving technique.
6. A plastic surgeon shaving a 0.8 cm epidermal lesion on a patient’s face.
7. An ophthalmologist removing a 0.7 cm dermal lesion from a patient’s eyelid using the shaving technique.
8. A dermatologist performing the shaving procedure on a 0.9 cm benign lesion on a patient’s nose.
9. A plastic surgeon removing a 1.0 cm epidermal lesion from a patient’s lip using the shaving technique.
10. An otolaryngologist shaving a 0.6 cm dermal lesion on a patient’s earlobe.