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Official Description

Removal of skin tags, multiple fibrocutaneous tags, any area; up to and including 15 lesions

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Skin tags, medically known as fibrocutaneous tags, are small, benign projections of skin that often appear as soft, raised bumps. They are typically connected to the skin surface by a narrow stalk, which can vary in length. These lesions can occur on various parts of the body, including the neck, armpits, eyelids, and groin. The procedure coded as CPT® 11200 involves the removal of multiple skin tags, specifically up to and including 15 lesions in any area of the body. The removal can be performed using different techniques, such as a scalpel, ligature strangulation, or chemical/electrical cautery, depending on the physician's preference and the specific characteristics of the skin tags. Local anesthesia may be administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure, although its use is not mandatory. This code is essential for accurately documenting the removal of skin tags in a clinical setting, ensuring proper billing and reimbursement for the services rendered.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Removal of skin tags is typically indicated for various reasons, including but not limited to the following:

  • Cosmetic Concerns Many patients seek removal of skin tags for aesthetic reasons, as these lesions can be unsightly and may affect an individual's self-esteem.
  • Physical Discomfort Skin tags can sometimes cause irritation or discomfort, especially if they are located in areas where they are frequently rubbed by clothing or jewelry.
  • Diagnostic Purposes In some cases, skin tags may be removed to rule out other skin conditions or lesions that may require further evaluation.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the removal of skin tags involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Preparation The patient is positioned comfortably, and the area surrounding the skin tags is cleaned and disinfected to reduce the risk of infection. If local anesthesia is to be used, it is administered at this stage to ensure the patient experiences minimal discomfort during the procedure.
  • Identification of Lesions The physician carefully examines and identifies the skin tags to be removed, ensuring that the correct lesions are targeted for excision.
  • Removal Technique Depending on the size and location of the skin tags, the physician may choose from several removal techniques. These include using a scalpel to excise the tag, applying ligature strangulation to cut off blood supply, or utilizing chemical or electrical cautery to destroy the tissue. Each method is selected based on the physician's assessment and the patient's specific needs.
  • Post-Removal Care After the skin tags are removed, the area may be treated with antiseptic to promote healing and prevent infection. The physician may provide instructions for post-procedure care, including how to care for the site and when to seek follow-up care if necessary.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the removal of skin tags, patients are typically advised to keep the area clean and dry to facilitate healing. They may be instructed to avoid strenuous activities or excessive moisture in the treated area for a specified period. Any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, should be reported to the physician. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the healing process and address any concerns the patient may have.

Short Descr RMVL SKIN TAGS UP TO&INC 15
Medium Descr RMVL SKIN TAGS MLT FIBRQ TAGS ANY UP TO&INC 15
Long Descr Removal of skin tags, multiple fibrocutaneous tags, any area; up to and including 15 lesions
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator STV-Packaged Codes
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5A - Ambulatory procedures - skin
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 170 - Excision of skin lesion

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

11201 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Removal of skin tags, multiple fibrocutaneous tags, any area; each additional 10 lesions, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
AG Primary physician
AM Physician, team member service
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CG Policy criteria applied
E1 Upper left, eyelid
E2 Lower left, eyelid
E3 Upper right, eyelid
E4 Lower right, eyelid
F1 Left hand, second digit
F5 Right hand, thumb
GE This service has been performed by a resident without the presence of a teaching physician under the primary care exception
GF Non-physician (e.g. nurse practitioner (np), certified registered nurse anesthetist (crna), certified registered nurse (crn), clinical nurse specialist (cns), physician assistant (pa)) services in a critical access hospital
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
Q8 Two class b findings
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
SC Medically necessary service or supply
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
T2 Left foot, third digit
T4 Left foot, fifth digit
T5 Right foot, great toe
T8 Right foot, fourth digit
T9 Right foot, fifth digit
TA Left foot, great toe
U7 Medicaid level of care 7, as defined by each state
UA Medicaid level of care 10, as defined by each state
UD Medicaid level of care 13, as defined by each state
X1 Continuous/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians, who provide the principal care for a patient, with no planned endpoint of the relationship; services in this category represent comprehensive care, dealing with the entire scope of patient problems, either directly or in a care coordination role; reporting clinician service examples include, but are not limited to: primary care, and clinicians providing comprehensive care to patients in addition to specialty care
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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Action
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2024-01-01 Changed Short and Medium Descriptions changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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