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Official Description

Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 11305 refers to the procedure of shaving an epidermal or dermal lesion that is classified as a single lesion located on specific areas of the body, including the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia. This procedure is specifically applicable for lesions that have a diameter of 0.5 cm or less. During the procedure, the physician typically administers local anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort at the site of excision. The technique involves the use of a scalpel, which is held parallel to the skin surface, allowing the physician to carefully remove the lesion at its base. To manage any potential bleeding that may occur during the excision, electrocautery or chemical cautery may be employed. It is important to note that there are additional codes for lesions of varying sizes, with CPT® Code 11306 designated for lesions measuring between 0.6 cm and 1.0 cm, CPT® Code 11307 for lesions ranging from 1.1 cm to 2.0 cm, and CPT® Code 11308 for lesions larger than 2.0 cm. This structured approach to lesion removal is essential for accurate coding and billing in medical practices.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure represented by CPT® Code 11305 is indicated for the removal of a single epidermal or dermal lesion that is located on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia, specifically when the lesion has a diameter of 0.5 cm or less. This procedure is typically performed when the lesion is raised and may be causing discomfort, cosmetic concerns, or has the potential for further complications if left untreated.

  • Single Lesion The procedure is intended for the excision of one lesion at a time.
  • Location The lesion must be situated on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia.
  • Lesion Size The diameter of the lesion must be 0.5 cm or less to qualify for this specific code.

2. Procedure

The procedure begins with the physician preparing the site of the lesion for excision. This involves cleaning the area to minimize the risk of infection. Following this, local anesthesia is administered to ensure that the patient experiences minimal discomfort during the procedure. Once the area is adequately anesthetized, the physician uses a scalpel, which is held parallel to the skin surface, to carefully shave the lesion off at its base. This technique allows for precise removal while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. In cases where bleeding occurs during the excision, the physician may utilize electrocautery or chemical cautery to effectively control and minimize blood loss. The careful execution of these steps is crucial for achieving a successful outcome and ensuring patient safety.

  • Step 1: Preparation The physician cleans the lesion site to reduce infection risk.
  • Step 2: Anesthesia Local anesthesia is administered to the patient for comfort during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Lesion Removal The physician uses a scalpel held parallel to the skin to shave the lesion off at its base.
  • Step 4: Bleeding Control Electrocautery or chemical cautery may be applied to manage any bleeding that occurs during the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, the patient may be advised on care for the excision site to promote healing and prevent infection. This may include keeping the area clean and dry, applying any prescribed topical medications, and monitoring for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. The physician may also provide instructions regarding activity restrictions to avoid strain on the healing site. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the healing process and to ensure that the lesion has been completely removed without complications.

Short Descr SHAVE SKIN LESION 0.5 CM/<
Medium Descr SHAVING SKIN LESION 1 S/N/H/F/G DIAM 0.5 CM/<
Long Descr Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; 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 4
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.
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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.
T5 Right foot, great toe
T4 Left foot, fifth digit
T9 Right foot, fifth digit
T6 Right foot, second digit
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
TA Left foot, great toe
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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.)
T7 Right foot, third digit
T1 Left foot, second digit
T2 Left foot, third digit
T3 Left foot, fourth digit
T8 Right foot, fourth digit
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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.
Q8 Two class b findings
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).
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.
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.)
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
AG Primary physician
AM Physician, team member service
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
E1 Upper left, eyelid
F1 Left hand, second digit
F3 Left hand, fourth digit
F4 Left hand, fifth digit
F5 Right hand, thumb
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
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
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
Q7 One class a finding
Q9 One class b and two class c findings
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
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
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
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.
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