How To Use CPT Code 17271

CPT code 17271 describes the destruction of a malignant lesion on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia 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 17271?

CPT 17271 is used to describe the destruction of a malignant lesion on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia. The lesion must have a diameter between 0.6 cm and 1.0 cm. 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 17271 is: ‘Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 17271 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped for the procedure.
2. The provider may administer anesthesia, such as local anesthesia, if necessary.
3. The provider then destroys the malignant lesion, which is between 0.6 cm and 1.0 cm in diameter, on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia.
4. The provider may use various methods for lesion destruction, including exposing the lesion to a laser beam, high-frequency electrical current, chemical agents, liquid nitrogen, or surgical curettement.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 17271 is used for patients with a malignant lesion on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia that is between 0.6 cm and 1.0 cm in diameter. The lesion must be cancerous and capable of spreading if left untreated. The procedure must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional using techniques such as chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or surgical curettement.

5. When to use CPT code 17271

CPT code 17271 should be used when a qualified healthcare professional performs the destruction of a malignant lesion on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia that is between 0.6 cm and 1.0 cm in diameter. This code should not be used for lesions outside of this size range or on other body parts.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 17271, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the presence of a malignant lesion
• Location and size of the lesion
• Method used for lesion destruction (chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, 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 code 17271, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The lesion must be between 0.6 cm and 1.0 cm in diameter and located on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia. It is important to follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers when reporting this code. Additionally, consider any specific payer requirements or guidelines for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 17271 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1992. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A dermatologist performing the destruction of a 0.8 cm malignant lesion on the scalp using electrosurgery.
2. A plastic surgeon using cryosurgery to destroy a 0.7 cm malignant lesion on the genitalia.
3. An oncologist performing chemosurgery to destroy a 0.9 cm malignant lesion on the neck.
4. A general surgeon using surgical curettement to destroy a 0.6 cm malignant lesion on the hands.
5. A gynecologist performing the destruction of a 1.0 cm malignant lesion on the feet using laser surgery.
6. A dermatologist using electrosurgery to destroy a 0.8 cm malignant lesion on the scalp.
7. A plastic surgeon performing cryosurgery to destroy a 0.7 cm malignant lesion on the genitalia.
8. An oncologist using chemosurgery to destroy a 0.9 cm malignant lesion on the neck.
9. A general surgeon performing surgical curettement to destroy a 0.6 cm malignant lesion on the hands.
10. A gynecologist using laser surgery to destroy a 1.0 cm malignant lesion on the feet.