How To Use CPT Code 21932

CPT code 21932 describes the excision of a soft tissue tumor located on the back or flank, specifically in the subfascial area, that is smaller than 5 cm. 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 21932?

CPT 21932 is used to describe the excision of a soft tissue tumor located on the back or flank, specifically in the subfascial area, that is smaller than 5 cm. This procedure is performed by a physician to remove the tumor along with a margin of surrounding tissue to ensure complete removal. The incision is closed in layers after irrigation of the wound.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 21932 is: ‘Excision, tumor, soft tissue of back or flank, subfascial (eg, intramuscular) less than 5 cm.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure for CPT 21932, the physician makes an incision through the skin and fascia over the tumor. The tumor, along with a margin of surrounding tissue, is excised to ensure complete removal. The wound is then irrigated and closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 21932 is used for the excision of soft tissue tumors located on the back or flank that are smaller than 5 cm. The procedure is performed when the tumor is located in the subfascial area, which refers to the space beneath the fascia and above the muscle layer. The physician must assess the patient and determine the need for excision based on the size and location of the tumor.

5. When to use CPT code 21932

CPT code 21932 should be used when a physician performs the excision of a soft tissue tumor located on the back or flank, specifically in the subfascial area, that is smaller than 5 cm. It is important to accurately document the size and location of the tumor to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 21932, the physician must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tumor excision
• Size and location of the tumor
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, excision, irrigation, and closure
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 21932, ensure that the excision is performed by a physician and that the tumor meets the criteria of being located on the back or flank, subfascial, and smaller than 5 cm. It is important to accurately document the size and location of the tumor to support the use of this code. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 21932 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 21932 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 21932

Five similar codes to CPT 21932 include:

• CPT 21930: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of back or flank, subcutaneous; less than 3 cm
• CPT 21931: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of back or flank, subcutaneous; 3 cm or greater
• CPT 21933: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of back or flank, subfascial (eg, intramuscular); 5 cm or greater
• CPT 21935: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of back or flank, deep (eg, intramuscular); 5 cm or greater
• CPT 21936: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of back or flank, deep (eg, intramuscular); less than 5 cm

9. Examples

1. A physician excising a 4 cm soft tissue tumor located subfascially on a patient’s back.
2. A surgeon removing a 3 cm soft tissue tumor located subfascially on a patient’s flank.
3. A physician performing the excision of a 2 cm soft tissue tumor located subfascially on a patient’s back.
4. A surgeon removing a 5 cm soft tissue tumor located subfascially on a patient’s flank.
5. A physician excising a 4 cm soft tissue tumor located subfascially on a patient’s back, along with a 2 cm margin of surrounding tissue.
6. A surgeon removing a 3 cm soft tissue tumor located subfascially on a patient’s flank, along with a 1 cm margin of surrounding tissue.
7. A physician performing the excision of a 2 cm soft tissue tumor located subfascially on a patient’s back, along with a 1 cm margin of surrounding tissue.
8. A surgeon removing a 5 cm soft tissue tumor located subfascially on a patient’s flank, along with a 3 cm margin of surrounding tissue.
9. A physician excising a 4 cm soft tissue tumor located subfascially on a patient’s back and closing the incision in layers.
10. A surgeon removing a 3 cm soft tissue tumor located subfascially on a patient’s flank and closing the incision in layers.