Coding Brief: Reporting Shaving of Epidermal or Dermal Lesions and Histopathologic Examination (June 2021)

June 2021 pages 6-7 Coding Brief: Reporting Shaving of Epidermal or Dermal Lesions and Histopathologic Examination Concerns have been raised regarding appropriate coding for shaving of epidermal or dermal lesions (11300-11313), followed by histopathologic examination of tissue specimens (88304, 88305). Specifically, there has been confusion about whether histopathologic examination is a separately reportable service. This coding brief clarifies the correct intent and reporting of these shaving procedures and histopathologic examination, and more importantly, that shaved tissue submitted for histopathologic examination is not additionally reportable as a biopsy (ie, the shaved tissue is the specimen). The guidelines in the Biopsy...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This June 2021 CPT Assistant coding brief discusses reporting for shave removal of epidermal or dermal lesions and the associated surgical pathology workflow. It is aimed at coders, billers, and pathology or dermatology stakeholders who need to understand the article’s scope, the CPT code sets involved, and the general reporting context for specimen handling and histopathologic examination.

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers determine whether the topic applies to their coding scenario and highlights how CPT-based pathology guidance intersects with skin lesion shave procedures. It is relevant when evaluating documentation and claim reporting for specimen submission and surgical pathology services.

Article Sections

  1. June 2021 pages 6-7

    Introductory publication information for the coding brief.

  2. Shaving of Epidermal or Dermal Lesions

    Overview of the shave removal topic and the CPT code family associated with these skin lesion procedures.

  3. Surgical Pathology

    General discussion of surgical pathology specimen reporting and the CPT pathology code family referenced in the article.

  4. Coding Tip

    Short guidance section reinforcing the relationship between shave removal specimens and histopathologic examination reporting.

  5. Example

    Illustrative scenario showing how different skin specimens may be handled within the article’s reporting context.

What You Will Learn

  • The CPT coding topics covered by the article
  • How the article frames shave removal procedures and surgical pathology services
  • What general kinds of reporting guidance are discussed for skin lesion specimens
  • Which code families and pathology service levels are referenced
  • How the article is organized around guidance, a coding tip, and an example

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Billing staff
  • Dermatology practices
  • Pathology professionals
  • Compliance and revenue cycle teams

Codes Discussed

Code Ranges Discussed


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