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Official Description

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)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Skin tags, also known as fibrocutaneous tags, are small, benign projections of skin that often appear as soft, hanging pieces of tissue. They are typically connected to the skin surface by a narrow stalk, which can vary in length. These growths can occur on various parts of the body, including the neck, armpits, eyelids, and groin. The removal of skin tags is a common procedure performed for cosmetic reasons or due to irritation caused by clothing or jewelry. The procedure can be performed using local anesthesia, although it is not always necessary. Various techniques may be employed for the removal of skin tags, including the use of a scalpel, ligature strangulation, or chemical/electrical cautery. CPT® Code 11201 is specifically designated for the removal of multiple skin tags, indicating that it is used in conjunction with the primary procedure code, CPT® Code 11200, which covers the removal of up to 15 skin tags. For every additional 10 lesions removed, or any part thereof, CPT® Code 11201 should be reported separately in addition to the primary procedure code.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure for the removal of skin tags is indicated for various reasons, primarily related to the presence of multiple fibrocutaneous tags that may cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns. The following conditions may warrant the removal of skin tags:

  • Cosmetic Concerns Many patients seek removal of skin tags for aesthetic reasons, as these growths can be unsightly and affect an individual's self-esteem.
  • Irritation Skin tags can become irritated due to friction from clothing, jewelry, or other external factors, leading to discomfort or pain.
  • Location Skin tags located in areas prone to friction, such as the neck or underarms, may be more likely to require removal due to persistent irritation.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the removal of skin tags involves several key steps, which may vary depending on the technique used. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation The area surrounding the skin tags is cleaned and prepared for the procedure. This may involve the application of an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 2: Anesthesia Local anesthesia may be administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. This step is optional and depends on the number and location of the skin tags being removed.
  • Step 3: Removal Technique The healthcare provider selects an appropriate method for removing the skin tags. This may include using a scalpel to excise the tag, applying a ligature to strangulate the base of the tag, or utilizing chemical or electrical cautery to destroy the tissue.
  • Step 4: Post-Removal Care After the skin tags are removed, the area may be treated with a topical antiseptic, and the provider may provide instructions for care to promote healing and prevent infection.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care is essential to ensure proper healing and minimize complications. Patients are typically advised to keep the area clean and dry, avoiding any irritation from clothing or accessories. It is important to monitor the site for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. Patients may also be instructed to avoid strenuous activities that could stress the area until it has healed. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the healing process and address any concerns that may arise.

Short Descr RMVL SKIN TAGS EA ADDL 10
Medium Descr RMVL SKIN TAGS MLT FIBRQ TAGS ANY EA ADDL 10
Long Descr 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)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No 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 Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
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 an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

11200 MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q1 ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Removal of skin tags, multiple fibrocutaneous tags, any area; up to and including 15 lesions
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
E1 Upper left, eyelid
E2 Lower left, eyelid
E3 Upper right, eyelid
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GE This service has been performed by a resident without the presence of a teaching physician under the primary care exception
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
UD Medicaid level of care 13, as defined by each state
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2024-01-01 Changed Short and Medium Descriptions changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2009-01-01 Changed Code description changed
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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