How To Use CPT Code 17273

CPT code 17273 describes the destruction of a malignant lesion on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia 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 17273?

CPT 17273 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 2.1 cm and 3.0 cm. The procedure involves using techniques such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement to remove the malignant lesion.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 17273 is: ‘Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia lesion diameter 2.1 to 3.0 cm.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 17273 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 uses techniques such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement to destroy the malignant lesion.
4. The lesion must have a diameter between 2.1 cm and 3.0 cm.
5. The provider may expose the lesion to a laser beam, high-frequency electrical current, chemical agents, liquid nitrogen, or use a surgical curette to remove the lesion.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 17273 is used for the destruction of a malignant lesion on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia. The lesion must have a diameter between 2.1 cm and 3.0 cm. The procedure is performed using techniques such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement. The patient must have a confirmed diagnosis of a malignant lesion in the specified areas and meet the size criteria.

5. When to use CPT code 17273

CPT code 17273 should be used when a provider performs the destruction of a malignant lesion on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia. The lesion must have a diameter between 2.1 cm and 3.0 cm. The procedure involves using techniques such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement. It is important to ensure that the patient meets the qualifying circumstances for this code before reporting it.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 17273, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a malignant lesion
• Location of the lesion (scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia)
• Diameter of the lesion (between 2.1 cm and 3.0 cm)
• Technique used for lesion destruction (laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement)
• Details of the procedure, including any anesthesia administered
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 17273, ensure that the procedure meets the qualifying circumstances, including the location and size of the lesion. It is important to use the appropriate technique for lesion destruction, such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes, but it is important to follow any payer-specific requirements or guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT code 17273 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 provider using laser surgery to destroy a malignant lesion on the scalp with a diameter of 2.5 cm.
2. A provider performing electrosurgery to remove a malignant lesion on the neck measuring 2.8 cm in diameter.
3. A provider using cryosurgery to destroy a malignant lesion on the hands with a diameter of 2.2 cm.
4. A provider performing chemosurgery to remove a malignant lesion on the feet measuring 2.7 cm in diameter.
5. A provider using surgical curettement to destroy a malignant lesion on the genitalia with a diameter of 2.3 cm.
6. A provider using laser surgery to remove a malignant lesion on the scalp measuring 2.9 cm in diameter.