How To Use CPT Code 17264

CPT code 17264 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 17264?

CPT 17264 is used to describe the destruction of a malignant lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs that measures 3.1 to 4.0 cm in diameter. The procedure involves using techniques such as chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or surgical curettement to remove the lesion.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 17264 is: ‘Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), trunk, arms or legs lesion diameter 3.1 to 4.0 cm.’

3. Procedure

When performing CPT 17264, 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 17264 is applicable when the patient has a malignant lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs that measures 3.1 to 4.0 cm in diameter. The lesion must be confirmed as cancerous and capable of spreading if left untreated. The procedure should be performed by a qualified healthcare professional who is experienced in the techniques of chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or surgical curettement.

5. When to use CPT code 17264

CPT code 17264 should be used when a healthcare professional performs the destruction of a malignant lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs that measures 3.1 to 4.0 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 17264, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and confirmation of a malignant lesion
• Size of the lesion (3.1 to 4.0 cm in diameter)
• 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 professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 17264, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately measure the lesion and document the technique used for destruction. CPT code 17264 should not be reported if other destruction procedures (CPT codes 17260-17263, 17265, or 17266) have already been performed on the same lesion within the same session or within the previous seven days.

8. Historical information

CPT 17264 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. Prior to its addition, there were no specific codes for the destruction of malignant lesions on the trunk, arms, or legs within this size range.

9. Similar codes to CPT 17264

There are several similar codes to CPT 17264 that describe the destruction of malignant lesions on different parts of the body or within different size ranges. Some examples include:

• CPT 17260: Destruction of malignant lesion, any method, trunk, arms, or legs lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less
• CPT 17261: Destruction of malignant lesion, any method, trunk, arms, or legs lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm
• CPT 17262: Destruction of malignant lesion, any method, trunk, arms, or legs lesion diameter 1.1 to 2.0 cm
• CPT 17263: Destruction of malignant lesion, any method, trunk, arms, or legs lesion diameter 2.1 to 3.0 cm
• CPT 17266: Destruction of malignant lesion, any method, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 3.1 to 4.0 cm

9. Examples

1. A dermatologist performing cryosurgery to destroy a 3.5 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s leg.
2. A plastic surgeon using electrosurgery to destroy a 3.2 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s arm.
3. An oncologist performing chemosurgery to destroy a 4.0 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s trunk.
4. A general surgeon utilizing surgical curettement to destroy a 3.6 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s leg.
5. A dermatologist performing cryosurgery to destroy a 3.3 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s trunk.
6. A plastic surgeon using electrosurgery to destroy a 3.8 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s arm.
7. An oncologist performing chemosurgery to destroy a 3.1 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s leg.
8. A general surgeon utilizing surgical curettement to destroy a 3.9 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s trunk.
9. A dermatologist performing cryosurgery to destroy a 3.7 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s arm.
10. A plastic surgeon using electrosurgery to destroy a 3.4 cm malignant lesion on a patient’s leg.