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Official Description

Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, trunk, arms or legs; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 11300 refers to the procedure of shaving an epidermal or dermal lesion that is singular in nature and located on the trunk, arms, or legs, with a diameter measuring 0.5 cm or less. This procedure is typically indicated for the removal of various types of lesions, including pedunculated lesions, seborrheic keratoses, fibrous papules, and other similar lesions that possess a minimal dermal component. The shaving technique involves excising the lesion in a manner that does not penetrate deeper than the middle dermis, thereby preserving the integrity of the subcutaneous layer beneath. Prior to the procedure, the area is thoroughly cleansed, and a local anesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort. The actual removal of the lesion is performed using a surgical blade, which may involve either a transverse incision or repetitive horizontal slicing in a consistent direction. Following the excision, the physician inspects the surrounding tissue to confirm that the entire lesion has been successfully removed. To manage any bleeding, electrocautery or chemical cautery is employed, and the edges of the wound are smoothed out. Additionally, the excised lesion is sent to a laboratory for histologic evaluation, which is reported separately. It is important to note that different CPT® codes are designated for lesions of varying sizes, with 11301 applicable for lesions measuring 0.6-1.0 cm, 11302 for those measuring 1.1-2.0 cm, and 11303 for lesions exceeding 2.0 cm in diameter.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 11300 is indicated for the removal of specific types of lesions that are located on the trunk, arms, or legs. The following conditions or types of lesions are commonly addressed through this shaving technique:

  • Pedunculated Lesions These are lesions that are attached to the skin by a stalk or peduncle, making them suitable for removal via shaving.
  • Seborrheic Keratoses These benign growths are often characterized by a waxy, scaly appearance and can be effectively removed using the shaving method.
  • Fibrous Papules These small, firm bumps on the skin are typically harmless and can be shaved off for cosmetic or medical reasons.
  • Other Lesions with Minimal Dermal Component Any other similar lesions that do not extend deeply into the dermis and are 0.5 cm or less in diameter may also be indicated for this procedure.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® 11300 involves several key steps that ensure the effective removal of the lesion while minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissue. The following procedural steps are typically followed:

  • Step 1: Preparation The area surrounding the lesion is first cleansed thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection. A local anesthetic is then administered to the patient to ensure comfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Lesion Removal Using a surgical blade, the physician performs the shaving of the lesion. This can be accomplished through a transverse incision or by making repetitive horizontal slices in the same direction, ensuring that the lesion is removed without penetrating deeper than the middle dermis.
  • Step 3: Inspection After the lesion has been excised, the physician inspects the surrounding tissue to confirm that the entire lesion has been removed, which is crucial for preventing recurrence.
  • Step 4: Hemostasis To control any bleeding that may occur during the procedure, electrocautery or chemical cautery is utilized. This step is essential for ensuring a clean surgical field and promoting healing.
  • Step 5: Wound Management The edges of the wound are smoothed to promote optimal healing. The excised lesion is then sent to a laboratory for histologic evaluation, which is reported separately from the procedure itself.

3. Post-Procedure

After the shaving procedure coded as CPT® 11300, patients can expect a few standard post-procedure care instructions. The treated area should be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities or excessive sun exposure on the treated area for a specified period. Additionally, any prescribed topical treatments or dressings should be applied as directed by the physician. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and to discuss the results of the histologic evaluation of the excised lesion. It is important for patients to report any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, to their healthcare provider promptly.

Short Descr SHAVE SKIN LESION 0.5 CM/<
Medium Descr SHAVING SKIN LESION 1 TRUNK/ARM/LEG DIAM 0.5CM/<
Long Descr Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, trunk, arms or legs; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - 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 STV-Packaged Codes
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6A - Minor procedures - skin
MUE 5
CCS Clinical Classification 170 - Excision of skin lesion
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).
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.
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.
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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.)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
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.
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.)
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CG Policy criteria applied
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
F1 Left hand, second digit
F7 Right hand, third digit
F8 Right hand, fourth digit
F9 Right hand, fifth digit
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GF Non-physician (e.g. nurse practitioner (np), certified registered nurse anesthetist (crna), certified registered nurse (crn), clinical nurse specialist (cns), physician assistant (pa)) services in a critical access hospital
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
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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
Q8 Two class b findings
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
T1 Left foot, second digit
T5 Right foot, great toe
T6 Right foot, second digit
TA Left foot, great toe
X1 Continuous/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians, who provide the principal care for a patient, with no planned endpoint of the relationship; services in this category represent comprehensive care, dealing with the entire scope of patient problems, either directly or in a care coordination role; reporting clinician service examples include, but are not limited to: primary care, and clinicians providing comprehensive care to patients in addition to specialty care
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
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