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Official Description

Incisional biopsy of skin (eg, wedge) (including simple closure, when performed); each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An incisional biopsy of the skin, as described by CPT® Code 11107, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a small wedge-shaped section of tissue from a skin lesion. This procedure is primarily performed to obtain a sample for pathological examination, allowing healthcare professionals to identify the cellular composition and type of cells present within the lesion. Incisional biopsies are particularly indicated for larger lesions where a complete excision may not be feasible or when it is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment options while ensuring a satisfactory cosmetic outcome. The procedure begins with the careful marking of the biopsy area, followed by the administration of a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. A scalpel is then utilized to make an incision along the marked lines, extending down to the subcutaneous tissue to create a small island of skin and tissue. This island is subsequently grasped with forceps and excised, ensuring that the specimen is collected for further pathological analysis. After the specimen is removed, the wound is assessed for any bleeding, and the edges of the skin are approximated to facilitate closure. The procedure may involve the use of absorbable sutures in the subcutaneous layer to reduce tension and promote healing, followed by the closure of the skin with either sutures or staples. It is important to note that CPT® Code 11107 is specifically used to report the incisional biopsy of each separate or additional lesion, distinguishing it from CPT® Code 11106, which pertains to a single skin lesion biopsy.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The incisional biopsy of the skin, as indicated by CPT® Code 11107, is performed under specific circumstances where a detailed examination of a lesion is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Large Lesions Incisional biopsy is often indicated for larger skin lesions that cannot be completely excised in a single procedure, allowing for a representative sample to be obtained for diagnosis.
  • Uncertain Diagnosis When the nature of a skin lesion is uncertain, an incisional biopsy helps in determining the type of cells present, which is crucial for establishing an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan.
  • Cosmetic Considerations In cases where complete excision may lead to significant cosmetic concerns, an incisional biopsy allows for the assessment of the lesion while minimizing the impact on the surrounding skin.

2. Procedure

The procedure for an incisional biopsy of the skin involves several critical steps to ensure proper execution and patient safety. The following outlines the procedural steps as described:

  • Step 1: Marking the Biopsy Area The first step involves the careful marking of the area surrounding the lesion to be biopsied. This is done to ensure precision during the incision and to delineate the specific tissue to be removed.
  • Step 2: Administration of Local Anesthetic Once the area is marked, a local anesthetic is infiltrated into the skin to numb the region, thereby minimizing discomfort for the patient during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Incision A scalpel blade is then used to make an incision along the marked lines. The incision is extended down to the subcutaneous tissue, creating a small island of skin and tissue that includes the lesion.
  • Step 4: Excision of the Specimen The island of tissue is grasped in the center with forceps and excised down to the fat layer just below the dermis. This ensures that an adequate sample is obtained for pathological examination.
  • Step 5: Specimen Handling After excision, the specimen is carefully placed in a container for pathological analysis, which is essential for determining the nature of the lesion.
  • Step 6: Wound Assessment The wound is then checked for any bleeding. The lateral edges of the skin are grasped with forceps or skin hooks to observe for approximation, ensuring that the edges can be brought together for closure.
  • Step 7: Tissue Undermining If necessary, the tissue may be undermined using a scalpel or scissors to relax the skin edges, facilitating better approximation during closure.
  • Step 8: Closure of the Wound Absorbable sutures may be placed in the subcutaneous tissue to decrease tension and maintain wound integrity. Finally, the skin is closed using either sutures or staples, completing the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the incisional biopsy is completed, post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery. The patient should be monitored for any signs of bleeding or infection at the biopsy site. Instructions regarding wound care, including keeping the area clean and dry, should be provided. Patients may also be advised on pain management strategies, which could include over-the-counter pain relievers. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess the healing process and to discuss the results of the pathological examination. It is important for patients to be aware of any signs of complications, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound, and to seek medical attention if these occur.

Short Descr INCAL BX SKN EA SEP/ADDL
Medium Descr INCISIONAL BIOPSY SKIN EA SEP/ADDITIONAL LESION
Long Descr Incisional biopsy of skin (eg, wedge) (including simple closure, when performed); each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 2

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

11106 MPFS Status: Active Code APC T ASC P3 Incisional biopsy of skin (eg, wedge) (including simple closure, when performed); single lesion
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
E1 Upper left, eyelid
E2 Lower left, eyelid
E3 Upper right, eyelid
E4 Lower right, eyelid
F2 Left hand, third digit
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
T1 Left foot, second digit
T2 Left foot, third digit
T5 Right foot, great toe
T7 Right foot, third digit
TA Left foot, great toe
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2019-01-01 Added Added
Code
Description
Code
Description
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