The primary factors in selecting a code for destruction of malignant lesions are:

• Size of lesion (not defect)
• Location
• Method is not a factor in code selection

Per Principles of CPT^® Coding:

“The destruction of malignant lesions is reported with codes 17260—17286. Similar to the codes for excision of lesions, the correct code is chosen based on the anatomic area where the lesion is located and the lesion diameter. Use codes 17260—17286 to report each lesion destroyed and include any method of destruction as previously described.”

The reference charts below include descriptions for those CPT^® codes.