How To Use CPT Code 17110

CPT code 17110 describes the destruction of benign lesions using various techniques such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 17110?

CPT 17110 is used to report the destruction of benign lesions, excluding skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions, using techniques such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement. This code is specifically for the destruction of one to 14 lesions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 17110 is: ‘Destruction (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), of benign lesions other than skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions up to 14 lesions.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 17110 involves the destruction of benign lesions using various techniques. The provider may administer local anesthesia to the patient before proceeding with the destruction. The targeted lesion is then destroyed without damaging the surrounding tissue. The provider may use methods such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement to eradicate the lesion. The choice of technique depends on the specific characteristics of the lesion and the provider’s expertise. This code should be used for the destruction of one to 14 lesions, excluding skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 17110 is applicable when the provider performs the destruction of benign lesions, excluding skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions. The lesions may include warts or other benign growths. The procedure must involve the destruction of one to 14 lesions. If there are 15 or more lesions, CPT code 17111 should be used instead. It is important to note that this code does not cover the destruction of skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions, which have their own specific codes.

5. When to use CPT code 17110

CPT code 17110 should be used when the provider performs the destruction of benign lesions, excluding skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions, using techniques such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement. This code is specifically for the destruction of one to 14 lesions. If there are 15 or more lesions, CPT code 17111 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 17110, the provider must document the following information:

• Number of lesions destroyed
• Specific technique used for destruction (e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement)
• Date of the procedure
• Any anesthesia administered
• Location of the lesions
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 17110, ensure that the procedure involves the destruction of one to 14 benign lesions, excluding skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions. It is important to use the appropriate code based on the number of lesions. If there are 15 or more lesions, CPT code 17111 should be used instead. Additionally, be aware of the specific guidelines for reporting the destruction of cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions or skin tags, as they have their own distinct codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 17110 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been several changes to the code over the years, including updates to the description and the addition of specific guidelines for different types of lesions.

9. Similar codes to CPT 17110

There are several similar codes to CPT 17110 that cover different scenarios or types of lesions. These include:

• CPT 17111: This code is used for the destruction of 15 or more benign lesions, excluding skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions.
• CPT 17106: This code is used for the destruction of cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions, such as birthmarks.
• CPT 17107: This code is used for the destruction of cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions, lasting 15 minutes or more.
• CPT 17108: This code is used for the destruction of cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions, lasting 30 minutes or more.
• CPT 11200: This code is used for the removal of skin tags.
• CPT 11201: This code is used for the removal of multiple skin tags.

9. Examples

1. A dermatologist using cryosurgery to destroy three benign lesions on a patient’s arm.
2. An oncologist performing electrosurgery to destroy six benign lesions on a patient’s face.
3. A plastic surgeon using laser surgery to destroy 12 benign lesions on a patient’s back.
4. A family physician performing chemosurgery to destroy two benign lesions on a patient’s leg.
5. A dermatologist using surgical curettement to destroy eight benign lesions on a patient’s chest.
6. An oncologist performing cryosurgery to destroy five benign lesions on a patient’s scalp.
7. A plastic surgeon using electrosurgery to destroy 10 benign lesions on a patient’s neck.
8. A family physician performing laser surgery to destroy four benign lesions on a patient’s hand.
9. A dermatologist using chemosurgery to destroy seven benign lesions on a patient’s face.
10. An oncologist performing surgical curettement to destroy nine benign lesions on a patient’s arm.