17110 CPT Code: Removal of Benign Skin Lesions

Accurate medical billing is key to running a successful dermatology practice.

When it comes to procedures like removing benign skin lesions, the 17110 CPT code is often used.

To make sure your practice is properly reimbursed, it’s important to know how to bill for CPT 17110 correctly and avoid common mistakes that could lead to denied claims.

In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know about CPT 17110 and how it fits into dermatology billing!

What is CPT 17110?

The 17110 CPT code is used for the destruction of benign lesions (other than skin tags or certain vascular lesions), for up to 14 lesions in one session.

This code is common in dermatology practices for treating things like warts and other benign skin growths.

It’s important to note that CPT 17110 is billed for the whole session, meaning whether you treat one lesion or 14, you use the same code.

17110 CPT Code Description

CPT 17110 applies to procedures that destroy benign lesions using methods like cryotherapy (freezing), electrosurgery, laser, or chemicals.

The key here is that the lesions must be benign, meaning non-cancerous.

This code is different from codes used for cancerous or pre-cancerous growths.

17110 vs. 17000

A common question is how CPT 17110 differs from CPT 17000.

While CPT 17110 is used for benign lesions, CPT 17000 is for pre-cancerous lesions like actinic keratoses.

Knowing when to use each code helps ensure accurate billing and prevents claim denials.

Billing Guidelines for CPT 17110

To avoid issues with reimbursement, it’s important to follow the correct billing guidelines for CPT 17110.

When to Use Modifiers

Sometimes, you may need to use modifiers when billing CPT 17110.

For example, if another procedure is performed on the same day, you might need a modifier to show that the services were separate.

A common one is Modifier 59, which indicates a distinct procedure was done.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One common mistake is using the wrong code for the type of lesion being treated, or not properly documenting the number of lesions removed.

Be sure to keep detailed records, noting the size, location, and type of lesions, along with the method used to treat them.

Common Use Cases for CPT 17110

Dermatologists often use CPT 17110 for procedures that involve treating benign skin conditions.

Here are a few examples where it might be used:

• Wart Removal: Whether it’s for common warts or plantar warts, removing these benign lesions is billed under CPT 17110.
• Seborrheic Keratosis: This common benign growth is often removed by freezing or other methods, making it a fit for CPT 17110.
• Molluscum Contagiosum: A viral skin infection often treated with destruction methods that fall under CPT 17110.

CPT 17110 for Medicare and Private Insurers

How you bill CPT 17110 may depend on whether the patient has Medicare or private insurance, as there can be some differences:

Medicare Billing Rules

Medicare will typically cover CPT 17110 when it’s deemed medically necessary.

For example, lesions that cause pain, are at risk of becoming malignant, or impact a patient’s quality of life can qualify.

Make sure to provide documentation supporting medical necessity to avoid issues with reimbursement.

Private Insurance Considerations

Private insurers may have different criteria for covering CPT 17110, so it’s always a good idea to verify coverage before performing the procedure.

Detailed documentation will help ensure claims are paid without problems.

Maximizing Reimbursement for CPT 17110

To make sure your dermatology practice is reimbursed for CPT 17110, there are a few steps you can take:

• Document Everything: Be thorough in your documentation. Include details like how many lesions were treated, their size, and the method used for destruction.
• Stay on Top of Denials: If a claim is denied, address the denial right away. Denials often happen due to insufficient documentation or using the wrong CPT code, so make sure everything is accurate before submitting a claim.

How The Auctus Group Can Help with Dermatology Billing

Navigating the ins and outs of dermatology billing can be tricky, especially when it comes to codes like CPT 17110.

This is where we at The Auctus Group comes in.

Our medical billing services ensure dermatology practices like yours are getting properly reimbursed while avoiding coding mistakes that can lead to claim denials!

Medical Billing Audits

The Auctus Group offers thorough medical billing audits to help your practice catch undercoding or overcoding issues.

These audits are especially helpful when billing for procedures like those covered by CPT 17110.

Revenue Cycle Management

Our revenue cycle management service ensures your billing process runs smoothly from start to finish.

By overseeing the entire billing process — from coding to submitting claims — we help dermatology practices like yours avoid common billing pitfalls and keep cash flow consistent.

Denial Management

If your practice faces claim denials, The Auctus Group’s denial management services can help you correct issues and resubmit claims.

This is especially useful for claims involving complex procedures like benign lesion destruction.

Coding Support

Accurate coding is a must for proper billing.

We provide coding support from certified professionals who specialize in dermatology billing, making sure that codes like CPT 17110 are used properly.

Customized Reporting and Analytics

With our customized reporting and analytics, you’ll get a clear picture of your billing performance, making it easier to identify any recurring issues and fine-tune your processes.

Conclusion

Correctly billing for CPT 17110 is important for dermatology practices to make sure that they are reimbursed for benign lesion destruction.

By following the proper guidelines, documenting thoroughly, and partnering with a professional billing service like us at The Auctus Group, your practice can minimize errors and maximize revenue.

If you’re looking for expert dermatology billing services — including medical billing audits, denial management, and coding support — contact us today to learn more!

FAQs

Is CPT code 17110 considered a surgery?
CPT code 17110 is not classified as a traditional surgery. It is used for the destruction of benign lesions, such as warts, using methods like cryotherapy, laser, or chemical destruction. While it involves removing tissue, it does not fall under typical surgical procedures.

What does CPT 17110 cover?
It covers the destruction of up to 14 benign lesions using methods like freezing, laser, or chemicals.

What is CPT code 17110 for warts?
CPT code 17110 is commonly used for the destruction of benign lesions, including warts. It covers the removal of up to 14 lesions in a single session using methods such as freezing (cryotherapy), laser, or other destruction techniques.

How many global days does CPT code 17110 have?
CPT code 17110 has a 10-day global period. This means any follow-up care related to the procedure is generally included in the reimbursement for the initial service and cannot be billed separately within that 10-day period.

What is CPT code 17000 and 17110?
CPT 17000 is used for the destruction of pre-cancerous lesions, such as actinic keratosis, while CPT 17110 is for the destruction of benign (non-cancerous) lesions. These two codes cover different types of skin conditions and should be used accordingly based on the nature of the lesion.

Does 17110 require a modifier?
In some cases, CPT 17110 may require a modifier. For instance, if multiple procedures are performed on the same day or if there is a need to clarify that a service is distinct from others, modifiers like Modifier 59 might be necessary.

What CPT codes are considered surgical?
CPT codes that are considered surgical generally begin with 1, such as excisions, incisions, and repairs. These include codes like those for major surgeries (e.g., 11000-19999 for integumentary procedures) and codes for more invasive procedures involving cutting or removing tissue.

What is the difference between 17003 and 17110?
CPT 17003 is used as an add-on code for the destruction of additional pre-cancerous lesions after the first one treated under CPT 17000. CPT 17110, on the other hand, is used for the destruction of benign lesions and covers up to 14 lesions in a single session.

What is the CPT code 17110 for cryotherapy?
CPT code 17110 can be used for the destruction of benign lesions through cryotherapy, which is a freezing technique. This code covers the treatment of up to 14 benign lesions in one session.

Can 17110 and 11055 be billed together?
CPT 17110 and CPT 11055 can be billed together if medically necessary and if both procedures are distinct from each other. However, a modifier, such as Modifier 59, may be required to indicate that the services were separate and unrelated.

How often can CPT 17110 be billed?
CPT 17110 can be billed as often as medically necessary, but it is generally billed per session, with a maximum of 14 lesions treated per session. If additional lesions are treated at a separate session, the code can be billed again.

What are the CPT codes for skin removal?
CPT codes for skin removal generally include excision and destruction codes. These include codes like CPT 11400-11446 for excision of benign lesions and CPT 17110 for the destruction of benign lesions.

What is the CPT excision for benign skin?
For the excision of benign skin lesions, CPT codes 11400 to 11446 are used. These codes are based on the size and location of the lesion being excised.