How To Use CPT Code 17263

CPT code 17263 describes the destruction of a malignant lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs using various techniques such as chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, 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 17263?

CPT 17263 is used to describe the destruction of a malignant lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs that measures 2.1 to 3.0 cm in diameter. The procedure involves the use of techniques such as chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or surgical curettement to remove the lesion.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 17263 is: ‘Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), trunk, arms or legs lesion diameter 2.1 to 3.0 cm.’

3. Procedure

When performing CPT 17263, the healthcare provider begins by assessing the patient’s condition and determining the need for lesion destruction. The provider may choose to administer anesthesia, such as local anesthesia, to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure.

The provider then proceeds to destroy the malignant lesion using various techniques. Chemosurgery involves the use of chemical agents like trichloroacetic acid, hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid to destroy the lesion. Cryosurgery, also known as cryoablation or cryotherapy, uses freezing temperatures to destroy damaged or abnormal tissues. Electrosurgery utilizes electricity to create heat and cause the thermal destruction of tissue. Surgical curettement involves scraping away the lesion with the help of a curette, which is an instrument with a scoop, ring, or gouging implement at the end.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 17263 is used for the destruction of malignant lesions on the trunk, arms, or legs that measure 2.1 to 3.0 cm in diameter. The lesions must be cancerous and have the potential to spread and cause harm if left untreated. The procedure should be performed by a qualified healthcare professional who is experienced in the specific techniques used for lesion destruction.

5. When to use CPT code 17263

CPT code 17263 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the destruction of a malignant lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs that measures 2.1 to 3.0 cm in diameter. It is important to accurately measure the lesion to ensure proper coding and billing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 17263, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for lesion destruction
• Size of the lesion (2.1 to 3.0 cm in diameter)
• Specific technique used for lesion destruction (chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or surgical curettement)
• Date of the procedure
• Any anesthesia administered
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 17263, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately measure the lesion and document the specific technique used for destruction. CPT code 17263 should not be reported if other destruction procedures have been performed on the same lesion within the previous seven days. Additionally, consider the location of the lesion and any additional procedures or complications that may affect the billing and coding process.

8. Historical information

CPT 17263 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1992. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2002, with the addition of the specific diameter range for the lesion.

9. Similar codes to CPT 17263

There are several similar codes to CPT 17263 that describe destruction procedures on malignant lesions of the integumentary system. These include:

• CPT 17260: Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), trunk, arms or legs lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less
• CPT 17261: Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), trunk, arms or legs lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm
• CPT 17262: Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), trunk, arms or legs lesion diameter 1.1 to 2.0 cm
• CPT 17264: Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 2.1 to 3.0 cm
• CPT 17266: Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter over 3.0 cm

9. Examples

1. A dermatologist performing the destruction of a 2.5 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s leg using electrosurgery.
2. A plastic surgeon using cryosurgery to destroy a 2.8 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s arm.
3. An oncologist performing chemosurgery to destroy a 2.2 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s trunk.
4. A general surgeon using surgical curettement to destroy a 2.7 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s leg.
5. A dermatologist performing the destruction of a 2.3 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s trunk using laser surgery.
6. A plastic surgeon using electrosurgery to destroy a 2.6 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s arm.
7. An oncologist performing cryosurgery to destroy a 2.1 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s leg.