AMA CPT® Assistant - 2008 Issue 6 (June)
Surgery/Integumentary System (June 2008)
June 2008 page 14 Surgery/Integumentary System, 11442 (Q&A) Question: If two lesions are removed but only one excision is made, how is this reported? Answer: From a CPT coding perspective, it is appropriate to report only one excision of lesion code. For example, if two benign skin lesions, measuring 0.5 cm each, are removed with one excision, then only one excision of lesion code would be reported. Because only one excision was performed, it would not be appropriate to report two separate excision of lesion codes. The excision of lesion code should accurately reflect the maximum excised...
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Article Overview
This article presents a CPT-focused question and answer from Surgery/Integumentary System guidance in June 2008. It addresses how to think about excision reporting when more than one lesion is removed during a single operative event, and it is most relevant to coders working in dermatology, surgery, and related professional services coding.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps coders and billers recognize how a single procedure is represented in CPT reporting when multiple lesions are involved, supporting more accurate documentation review and claim preparation.
What You Will Learn
- How this CPT Q&A frames lesion excision reporting in a single-procedure scenario.
- What broad factors are discussed in evaluating excision reporting for integumentary surgery coding.
- How this guidance is positioned within CPT Assistant educational content.
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Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Dermatology and surgery coding professionals
Codes Discussed
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