Is it appropriate to report code 17000 , Destruction (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), all benign or premalignant lesions (eg, actinic keratoses) other than skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions; first lesion, in conjunction with code 17003 , Destruction (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), all benign or premalignant lesions (eg, actinic keratoses) other than skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions; second through 14 lesions, each (List separately in addition to code for first lesion), for the destruction of a single lesion that is excessively large? ...

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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 article explains a CPT coding scenario involving destruction of benign or premalignant skin lesions and the reporting of an add-on code alongside the primary procedure code. It also covers general guidance on using modifier 22 when the work performed is greater than typically required, including the possible role of supporting documentation. The piece is aimed at coders and billing staff who need to understand how this type of lesion destruction service is described in CPT and how complexity may affect reporting.

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate reporting of lesion destruction procedures affects claims integrity and helps avoid mismatched code selection when a service is more complex than routine. The article also highlights the importance of documentation when a procedure exceeds the usual level of effort.

Codes Discussed

• CPT: 17000
• CPT: 17003
• CPT: 22

Modifiers Discussed

• CPT: 22

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