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Official Description

Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter over 2.0 cm

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 11308 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 indicated for lesions that have a diameter exceeding 2.0 cm. During the shaving process, the physician typically administers local anesthesia to the area surrounding the lesion to minimize discomfort for the patient. The technique involves the use of a scalpel, which is positioned parallel to the skin's surface, allowing the physician to carefully remove the lesion at its base. To manage any potential bleeding that may occur during the procedure, methods such as electrocautery or chemical cautery may be employed. It is important to note that there are specific codes for lesions of varying sizes, with CPT® Code 11305 designated for lesions measuring 0.5 cm or less, CPT® Code 11306 for lesions ranging from 0.6 cm to 1.0 cm, CPT® Code 11307 for lesions from 1.1 cm to 2.0 cm, and CPT® Code 11308 reserved for those larger than 2.0 cm.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 11308 is indicated for the removal of a single epidermal or dermal lesion that exceeds 2.0 cm in diameter. This may include various types of raised lesions that are located on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia. The decision to perform this procedure is typically based on the characteristics of the lesion, such as its size, location, and potential for causing discomfort or other complications.

  • Single Lesion The procedure is performed on a single lesion that requires removal.
  • Lesion Diameter Over 2.0 cm The lesion must have a diameter greater than 2.0 cm to qualify for this specific code.
  • Location The lesion can be located on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 11308 involves several key steps that ensure the effective removal of the lesion. First, the physician prepares the site by cleaning the area around the lesion to minimize the risk of infection. Following this, local anesthesia is administered to the patient to numb the area, ensuring that the procedure is as comfortable as possible. Once the anesthesia takes effect, 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 procedure, the physician may utilize electrocautery or chemical cautery to control and minimize blood loss. After the lesion has been successfully removed, the site may be dressed appropriately to promote healing and protect against infection.

  • Step 1: Site Preparation The physician cleans the area around the lesion to reduce infection risk.
  • Step 2: Anesthesia Administration Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area for patient comfort.
  • Step 3: Lesion Removal The physician uses a scalpel held parallel to the skin to shave the lesion at its base.
  • Step 4: Bleeding Control Electrocautery or chemical cautery may be used to manage any bleeding.
  • Step 5: Dressing the Site The excision site is dressed to promote healing and prevent infection.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure associated with CPT® Code 11308, the patient may be advised on specific post-procedure care to ensure proper healing. This typically includes instructions on how to care for the excision site, such as keeping it clean and dry, and monitoring for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. The physician may also provide guidance on pain management, which could include over-the-counter pain relievers. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the healing process and to remove any sutures if necessary. Patients are encouraged to report any unusual symptoms or concerns during their recovery period.

Short Descr SHAVE SKIN LESION >2.0 CM
Medium Descr SHAVING SKIN LESION 1 S/N/H/F/G DIAM >2.0 CM
Long Descr Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter over 2.0 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 2
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).
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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)
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.)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
T5 Right foot, great toe
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.
TA Left foot, great toe
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.
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)
F1 Left hand, second digit
F6 Right hand, second digit
F8 Right hand, fourth digit
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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
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
Q9 One class b and two class c findings
T1 Left foot, second digit
T2 Left foot, third digit
T3 Left foot, fourth digit
T4 Left foot, fifth digit
T6 Right foot, second digit
T7 Right foot, third digit
T8 Right foot, fourth digit
T9 Right foot, fifth digit
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
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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