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Medical coding resources for physicians and their staff. CodingIntel was founded by consultant and coding expert Betsy Nicoletti.

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CPT codes for skin biopsies

  •  Correctly selecting and reporting skin biopsies requires an understanding of CPT codes for skin biopsies
  • There are codes for excision of benign and malignant lesions, and codes for shave procedures.  Those are coded based on the size of the excision and location
  • There are specific biopsy codes in other chapters, for biopsy of ears, lips, genital areas, and other areas. These are code based on size of the lesion and the location
  • There are also codes for incisional biopsy, punch biopsy and tangential biopsy, not defined by location or size

Is that all clear? Read on!

In 2019, CPT® deleted punch biopsy code 11100 and add-on code +11101 and replaced these codes with six new biopsy codes, that included different methods.

Using these codes indicates that the procedure was:

“to obtain tissue solely for diagnostic histopathologic examination when performed independently, or was unrelated or distinct from other procedures/services provided at the that time.” [1]

These six CPT codes for skin biopsies listed below are not defined by location or size, but are defined by the method of obtaining the biopsy. There is no need to wait for pathology when reporting these new codes.

Our billing guide for Minor Surgical Procedures provides an in-depth look at coding guidelines for procedures with 0 to 10 global days, including biopsies.

Code Description

11102

Tangential biopsy of skin (e.g., shave, scoop, saucerize, curette) single lesion

+11103

     each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

11104

Punch biopsy of skin (including simple closure, when performed) single lesion

+11105

     each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure

11106

Incisional biopsy of skin (e.g., wedge) (including simple closure, when performed) single lesion

+11107

    each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

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Watch Betsy’s 60 minute on-demand webinar “Coding Skin Procedures” for a review of coding common skin procedures and correct use of modifiers with multiple procedures. Webinars are free for members. Not a member? Find out how you can watch too!


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Relevant Search Terms: CPT® codes 11102-11107, deleted code 11100, deleted code 11101, New codes for skin biopsies, new skin biopsy code based on method, what to bill for a punch biopsy, New CPT® biopsy codes

Last revised June 28, 2022 - Betsy Nicoletti
Tags: dermatology_procedures, general surgery_procedures, minor procedures, primary care_procedures

Wondering about the rules for HCC coding?

Wondering what the rules are for HCC coding, and where you can find them? This video answers your questions. The topic is important to medical practices because risk-adjusted diagnosis coding is part of Medicare Advantage contracts, many commercial contracts and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Sign up for our monthly newsletter to download the whitepaper and watch the video.

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Our mission is to provide accurate, comprehensive, up-to-date coding information, allowing medical practices to increase revenue, decrease coding denials and reduce compliance risk. That's what coding knowledge can do.

In 1988, CodingIntel.com founder Betsy Nicoletti started a Medical Services Organization for a rural hospital, supporting physician practice. She has been a self-employed consultant since 1998. She estimates that in the last 20 years her audience members number over 28,400 at in person events and webinars. She has had 2,500 meetings with clinical providers and reviewed over 43,000 medical notes. She knows what questions need answers and developed this resource to answer those questions. For more about Betsy visit www.betsynicoletti.com.

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