Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, trunk, arms or legs; lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 11301 refers to the procedure of shaving a single epidermal or dermal lesion located on the trunk, arms, or legs, specifically when the lesion has a diameter ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 cm. This procedure is typically performed on lesions that are either pedunculated, seborrheic keratoses, fibrous papules, or other similar types that possess a minimal dermal component. The shaving technique involves removing the lesion by making incisions that do 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 executed using a blade, which may involve either a transverse incision or repetitive horizontal slicing in a consistent direction. After the lesion is excised, the physician inspects the surrounding tissue to confirm complete removal of the lesion. To finalize the procedure, the edges of the wound are smoothed, and any bleeding is controlled through the use of electrocautery or chemical cautery. The excised lesion is then 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: 11300 for lesions measuring 0.5 cm or less, 11301 for those measuring 0.6-1.0 cm, 11302 for lesions between 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 described by CPT® Code 11301 is indicated for the removal of specific types of lesions that are located on the trunk, arms, or legs. These indications include:

  • Pedunculated Lesions Lesions that are attached to the skin by a stalk or peduncle, making them suitable for shaving removal.
  • Seborrheic Keratoses Benign skin growths that often appear as brown, black, or light tan lesions, commonly found on the trunk and extremities.
  • Fibrous Papules Small, firm, raised lesions that are typically flesh-colored and can be found on the face or other areas of the body.
  • Other Lesions with Minimal Dermal Component Various skin lesions that do not extend deeply into the dermis and can be effectively removed using the shaving technique.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 11301 involves several key steps to ensure the effective removal of the lesion. The process begins with the cleansing of the area surrounding the lesion to minimize the risk of infection. Following this, a local anesthetic is administered to the patient to ensure comfort during the procedure. The physician then uses a surgical blade to perform the shaving of the lesion. This is accomplished through either a transverse incision or by making repetitive horizontal slices in the same direction, carefully removing the lesion while ensuring that the incision does not extend deeper than the middle dermis. After the lesion is excised, the physician inspects the surrounding tissue to confirm that the entire lesion has been successfully removed. To manage any bleeding that may occur during the procedure, electrocautery or chemical cautery is employed to control hemostasis. Finally, the edges of the wound are smoothed to promote proper healing, and the excised lesion is sent to a laboratory for histologic evaluation, which is reported separately from the procedure itself.

3. Post-Procedure

After the shaving procedure is completed, the patient may be advised on specific post-procedure care to ensure optimal healing. This may include instructions on keeping the area clean and dry, monitoring for signs of infection, and avoiding sun exposure to the treated area. The physician may also provide guidance on when to follow up for any necessary evaluations or to discuss the results of the histologic evaluation of the excised lesion. Patients are typically expected to experience minimal recovery time, with most resuming normal activities shortly after the procedure, depending on individual healing responses.

Short Descr SHAVE SKIN LESION 0.6-1.0 CM
Medium Descr SHVG SKIN LESION 1 TRUNK/ARM/LEG DIAM 0.6-1.0 CM
Long Descr Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, trunk, arms or legs; lesion diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm
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 6
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
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.)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
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
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
56 Preoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the preoperative care and evaluation and another performed the surgical procedure, the preoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 56 to the usual procedure number.
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 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.)
AG Primary physician
AM Physician, team member service
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CG Policy criteria applied
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
F1 Left hand, second digit
F3 Left hand, fourth digit
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
LS Fda-monitored intraocular lens implant
PN Non-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
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing 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
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
T3 Left foot, fourth digit
T5 Right foot, great toe
T6 Right foot, second digit
TA Left foot, great toe
UD Medicaid level of care 13, as defined by each state
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
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"