How To Use cpt 11313

cpt 11313 describes the shaving of epidermal or dermal lesions that are single lesions with a diameter over 2.0 cm. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11313.

1. What is cpt 11313?

cpt 11313 is a code used to describe the shaving of epidermal or dermal lesions that are single lesions with a diameter over 2.0 cm. This procedure involves the removal of a lesion from the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes using a blade. The provider shaves off the lesion, usually extending to the middle dermis without disturbing the subcutaneous tissue. Cautery is then used to control bleeding, and the wound is dressed.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11313 is: ‘Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane lesion diameter over 2.0 cm.’

3. Procedure

When performing cpt 11313, the provider follows these steps:

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

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11313 is used for the shaving of epidermal or dermal lesions that are single lesions with a diameter over 2.0 cm. The procedure is typically performed on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes. The lesions may be benign or non-cancerous. It is important to note that the procedure does not involve a full thickness dermal excision, but rather a sharp removal without disturbing the subcutaneous tissue.

5. When to use cpt code 11313

cpt 11313 should be used when a provider is performing the shaving of a single epidermal or dermal lesion with a diameter over 2.0 cm. It is important to differentiate between shaving and excision procedures, as excision involves a full thickness dermal removal, while shaving does not. The size of the margin removed with the lesion should not be considered when reporting cpt 11313.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11313, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the shaving procedure
• Specific details of the lesion, including its location and size
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of anesthesia, the shaving technique, and the use of cautery
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11313, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria of a single epidermal or dermal lesion with a diameter over 2.0 cm. It is important to note that cpt 11313 should not be reported with other codes for lesions of smaller diameters. If multiple lesions are removed during the same session, modifier 59 should be applied to indicate distinct procedural service for the additional lesions.

8. Historical information

cpt 11313 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to cpt 11313

Five similar codes to cpt 11313 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 11311: Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm
• 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 11314: Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter over 2.0 cm
• cpt 11315: Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 2.0 cm or less

9. Examples

1. A dermatologist performing the shaving of a 3.0 cm epidermal lesion on a patient’s nose.
2. A plastic surgeon shaving a 2.5 cm dermal lesion on a patient’s ear.
3. An otolaryngologist performing the shaving of a 2.2 cm epidermal lesion on a patient’s eyelid.
4. A dermatologist shaving a 2.8 cm dermal lesion on a patient’s lip.
5. A gynecologist performing the shaving of a 2.3 cm epidermal lesion on a patient’s mucous membrane.
6. A dermatologist shaving a 2.1 cm dermal lesion on a patient’s face.
7. A plastic surgeon performing the shaving of a 2.6 cm epidermal lesion on a patient’s ear.
8. An otolaryngologist shaving a 2.4 cm dermal lesion on a patient’s nose.
9. A dermatologist performing the shaving of a 2.7 cm epidermal lesion on a patient’s lip.
10. A gynecologist shaving a 2.9 cm dermal lesion on a patient’s mucous membrane.