How To Use cpt 11450

cpt 11450 describes the excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis in the axillary region, with simple or intermediate repair. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11450.

1. What is cpt 11450?

cpt 11450 is a code used to describe the excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for the treatment of hidradenitis in the axillary region. Hidradenitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by painful lumps and tunnels involving the sweat glands. The procedure involves the removal of the diseased skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue overlying the apocrine (sweat) glands, followed by closure using simple or intermediate repair techniques.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11450 is: ‘Excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis, axillary with simple or intermediate repair.’

3. Procedure

In this procedure, the patient is taken to the operating room and placed on a surgical table. The provider then labels and cleanses the area to be excised. The next step involves making an incision in the vascular inner layer of the skin down to the level of the apocrine (sweat) glands. The provider then removes the entire diseased skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue overlying the apocrine glands. The incision is closed using a single suture or staple, or a layered closure if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11450 is used for patients with hidradenitis in the axillary region. Hidradenitis is a chronic skin condition involving the apocrine sweat glands, typically occurring in areas where there is rubbing of the skin and excessive sweating, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and breasts. The procedure is performed by a healthcare professional to treat the condition and improve the patient’s symptoms. The use of simple or intermediate repair techniques depends on the complexity of the excision and closure required.

5. When to use cpt code 11450

cpt 11450 should be used when a healthcare professional performs the excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis in the axillary region, with simple or intermediate repair. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed specifically for the treatment of hidradenitis and that the excision and repair techniques meet the criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11450, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of hidradenitis
• Details of the excision procedure, including the location and extent of the excision
• Type of repair technique used (simple or intermediate)
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11450, it is important to ensure that the excision and repair procedures meet the criteria outlined in the code description. The use of simple or intermediate repair techniques should be documented and supported by the medical record. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

cpt 11450 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to cpt 11450

There are several similar codes to cpt 11450 that may be used for different excision procedures on the skin. Some examples include:

• cpt 11451: Excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis, axillary; with complex repair
• cpt 11462: Excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis, inguinal; with simple or intermediate repair
• cpt 11463: Excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis, inguinal; with complex repair
• cpt 11600: Excision, malignant lesion including margins, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; excised diameter over 4.0 cm
• cpt 11601: Excision, malignant lesion including margins, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; excised diameter 2.1 to 4.0 cm

9. Examples

1. A patient with hidradenitis in the axillary region undergoes excision of the affected skin and subcutaneous tissue, with simple repair.
2. A healthcare professional performs excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis in the axillary region, with intermediate repair, for a patient with severe symptoms.
3. A patient with recurrent hidradenitis in the axillary region undergoes excision of the affected skin and subcutaneous tissue, with simple repair.
4. A healthcare professional performs excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis in the axillary region, with intermediate repair, for a patient with extensive involvement.
5. A patient with hidradenitis in the axillary region undergoes excision of the affected skin and subcutaneous tissue, with simple repair, to alleviate pain and improve quality of life.
6. A healthcare professional performs excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis in the axillary region, with intermediate repair, for a patient with recurrent infections.
7. A patient with hidradenitis in the axillary region undergoes excision of the affected skin and subcutaneous tissue, with simple repair, to prevent further complications.
8. A healthcare professional performs excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis in the axillary region, with intermediate repair, for a patient with cosmetic concerns.
9. A patient with hidradenitis in the axillary region undergoes excision of the affected skin and subcutaneous tissue, with simple repair, to improve hygiene and reduce odor.
10. A healthcare professional performs excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for hidradenitis in the axillary region, with intermediate repair, for a patient with functional limitations.