How To Use CPT Code 17003

CPT 17003 refers to the destruction of premalignant lesions, specifically the second through 14th lesions, using various techniques. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use the code, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 17003 procedures.

1. What is CPT 17003?

CPT 17003 is a medical billing code used to describe the destruction of premalignant lesions, specifically the second through 14th lesions, using various techniques such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement. This code is used in conjunction with CPT 17000, which covers the destruction of the first premalignant lesion.

2. 17003 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 17003 is: “Destruction (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), premalignant lesions (eg, actinic keratoses); second through 14 lesions, each (List separately in addition to code for first lesion)”.

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 17003 involves the following steps:

1. Preparation of the patient and administration of anesthesia, if necessary.
2. Identification and marking of the second through 14th premalignant lesions to be treated.
3. Destruction of the lesions using the chosen technique, such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement.
4. Documentation of the procedure, including the number of lesions treated and the method used for destruction.
5. Post-procedure care and follow-up, as needed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 17003 services are those with multiple premalignant lesions, specifically the second through 14th lesions, that require destruction. These lesions may include actinic keratoses or other premalignant skin conditions. The provider must determine that the destruction of these lesions is medically necessary and appropriate for the patient’s condition.

5. When to use CPT code 17003

It is appropriate to bill the 17003 CPT code when a provider has destroyed the second through 14th premalignant lesions during a single encounter. This code should be used in conjunction with CPT 17000, which covers the destruction of the first premalignant lesion. Each additional lesion treated beyond the first should be billed using CPT 17003, with one unit representing a single lesion.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 17003, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and diagnosis of premalignant lesions.
• Number of lesions treated during the encounter, specifying the second through 14th lesions.
• Method used for lesion destruction (e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement).
• Location of the treated lesions on the patient’s body.
• Any complications or adverse reactions during the procedure.
• Post-procedure care instructions and follow-up plan, if applicable.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 17003, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Use CPT 17003 in conjunction with CPT 17000, which covers the destruction of the first premalignant lesion.
• Report CPT 17003 once per lesion for the second through 14th lesions treated during a single encounter.
• Ensure that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the procedure and includes all required information.
• Check payer-specific guidelines and policies for any additional requirements or restrictions related to CPT 17003.

8. Historical information

CPT 17003 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been updates to the code description since its addition, with the most recent change occurring on January 1, 2007.

9. Similar codes to CPT 17003

Five similar codes to CPT 17003 and how they differentiate are:

1. CPT 17000: Covers the destruction of the first premalignant lesion during an encounter.
2. CPT 17004: Used for the destruction of 15 or more premalignant lesions during a single encounter.
3. CPT 17110: Pertains to the destruction of common or plantar warts, not premalignant lesions.
4. CPT 17111: Used for the destruction of more than 14 common or plantar warts during a single encounter.
5. CPT 17250: Involves the destruction of cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions, not premalignant lesions.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 17003 procedures:

1. A patient with 10 actinic keratoses on their face undergoes cryosurgery for lesion destruction.
2. A patient with 12 premalignant lesions on their back receives electrosurgery for lesion removal.
3. A patient with 8 actinic keratoses on their arms undergoes laser surgery for lesion destruction.
4. A patient with 14 premalignant lesions on their legs receives chemosurgery for lesion removal.
5. A patient with 5 actinic keratoses on their chest undergoes surgical curettement for lesion destruction.
6. A patient with 7 premalignant lesions on their scalp receives cryosurgery for lesion removal.
7. A patient with 11 actinic keratoses on their neck undergoes electrosurgery for lesion destruction.
8. A patient with 9 premalignant lesions on their hands receives laser surgery for lesion removal.
9. A patient with 6 actinic keratoses on their feet undergoes chemosurgery for lesion destruction.
10. A patient with 13 premalignant lesions on their abdomen receives surgical curettement for lesion removal.