How To Use CPT Code 21933

CPT code 21933 describes the excision of a soft tissue tumor located in the back or flank area, specifically subfascial (intramuscular) tumors that are 5 cm or larger. 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 21933?

CPT 21933 is used to describe the excision of a soft tissue tumor located in the back or flank area. This code specifically applies to tumors that are subfascial, meaning they are located beneath the skin and fascia. The tumor must be 5 cm or larger in size to qualify for this code.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 21933 is: ‘Excision, tumor, soft tissue of back or flank, subfascial (eg, intramuscular) 5 cm or greater.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 21933 involves the surgical removal of a soft tissue tumor located in the back or flank area. The surgeon 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 21933 is used for the excision of subfascial soft tissue tumors that are 5 cm or larger in size. These tumors can be located in the back or flank area. It is important to note that this code is specifically for tumors and not for other types of lesions or conditions. The excision must be performed by a qualified physician.

5. When to use CPT code 21933

CPT code 21933 should be used when a subfascial soft tissue tumor in the back or flank area needs to be surgically excised. The tumor must be 5 cm or larger in size to qualify for this code. It is important to accurately measure the size of the tumor to ensure proper coding.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 21933, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tumor excision
• Size of the tumor
• Location of the tumor (back or flank)
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 21933, ensure that the excision is performed on a subfascial soft tissue tumor in the back or flank area that is 5 cm or larger in size. It is important to accurately measure the size of the tumor to ensure proper coding. This code should not be reported for other types of lesions or conditions. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or insurance company.

8. Historical information

CPT 21933 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 21933

There are several similar codes to CPT 21933 that may be used for different types of excisions or procedures. Some examples include:

• CPT 21932: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of back or flank, subfascial (eg, intramuscular), less than 5 cm
• 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 21935: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of back or flank, deep (eg, intramuscular, subfascial) 5 cm or greater
• CPT 21936: Excision, tumor, soft tissue of back or flank, deep (eg, intramuscular, subfascial) less than 5 cm

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs an excision of a 6 cm subfascial soft tissue tumor located in the back of a patient.
2. A physician removes a 7 cm subfascial soft tissue tumor from the flank area of a patient.
3. A surgeon excises a 5 cm subfascial soft tissue tumor located in the back of a patient.
4. A physician performs the excision of a 6 cm subfascial soft tissue tumor from the flank area of a patient.
5. A surgeon removes a 5 cm subfascial soft tissue tumor located in the back of a patient.
6. A physician excises a 7 cm subfascial soft tissue tumor from the flank area of a patient.
7. A surgeon performs the excision of a 5 cm subfascial soft tissue tumor located in the back of a patient.
8. A physician removes a 6 cm subfascial soft tissue tumor from the flank area of a patient.
9. A surgeon excises a 7 cm subfascial soft tissue tumor located in the back of a patient.
10. A physician performs the excision of a 5 cm subfascial soft tissue tumor from the flank area of a patient.