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Official Description

Destruction of lesion(s), penis (eg, condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, herpetic vesicle), simple; electrodesiccation

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 54055 refers to the procedure for the destruction of lesions on the penis, which may include various types of skin growths such as condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, and herpetic vesicles. This procedure is categorized as a simple destruction method, specifically utilizing electrodessication. Electrodessication involves the application of a monopolar high-frequency electric current to effectively destroy the targeted lesion while simultaneously controlling any associated bleeding. Prior to the procedure, the physician evaluates the lesion to determine the most suitable method of destruction, which may include options such as chemical destruction, cryosurgery, laser surgery, or surgical excision, depending on the specific characteristics of the lesion. Local anesthesia is administered as necessary to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. The choice of destruction technique is critical, as it impacts the effectiveness of the treatment and the recovery process. This code is essential for accurate medical coding and billing, as it specifically addresses the method of lesion destruction performed on the penis.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 54055 is indicated for the treatment of various lesions on the penis. These lesions may include:

  • Condyloma - A type of genital wart caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Papilloma - Benign epithelial tumors that can appear on the skin or mucous membranes.
  • Molluscum contagiosum - A viral infection that results in raised, pearl-like lesions on the skin.
  • Herpetic vesicle - Fluid-filled blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 54055 involves several key steps to ensure effective destruction of the lesion(s). These steps include:

  • Step 1: Evaluation of the Lesion - The physician begins by examining the lesion to assess its type, size, and location. This evaluation is crucial for determining the most appropriate method of destruction.
  • Step 2: Administration of Local Anesthesia - To minimize discomfort during the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to the patient as needed. This ensures that the patient remains comfortable while the physician performs the procedure.
  • Step 3: Application of Electrodessication - The physician utilizes a monopolar high-frequency electric current to destroy the lesion. This method not only eliminates the lesion but also helps control any bleeding that may occur during the process.
  • Step 4: Post-Procedure Assessment - After the electrodessication is completed, the physician assesses the treatment area to ensure that the lesion has been adequately destroyed and that there are no complications.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the procedure coded under CPT® 54055, patients may experience some localized discomfort or swelling at the site of the lesion. It is important for the physician to provide post-procedure care instructions, which may include recommendations for pain management, wound care, and signs of potential complications to monitor. Patients are typically advised to keep the area clean and dry, and to avoid any activities that may irritate the treated area. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to ensure proper healing and to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

Short Descr DESTRUCTION PENIS LESION(S)
Medium Descr DSTRJ LESION PENIS SIMPLE ELECTRODESICCATION
Long Descr Destruction of lesion(s), penis (eg, condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, herpetic vesicle), simple; electrodesiccation
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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 117 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures, male genital
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.
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.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
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2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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