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The procedure described by CPT® Code 11920 involves the intradermal introduction of insoluble opaque pigments to correct color defects of the skin, a process commonly referred to as tattooing. This technique is specifically utilized for micropigmentation, which is the application of pigment to the skin to address areas with abnormal pigmentation. The procedure is performed on a designated area of the skin that measures 6.0 square centimeters or less. During the process, the physician first outlines the tattoo site with a pen to ensure precision in the application of the pigment. Following this, a specialized tattoo instrument is employed to inject the colored dye into the skin. This instrument is designed to create artificial pigmentation, effectively restoring or enhancing the color of the affected area. It is important to note that for larger areas, different codes are applicable; for instance, CPT® Code 11921 is used for areas measuring between 6.1 to 20.0 square centimeters, and an add-on code, CPT® Code 11922, is utilized for each additional 20.0 square centimeters or any number of additional square centimeters within that range. This structured approach ensures that the procedure is accurately documented and billed according to the specific size of the area treated.
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The procedure coded under CPT® Code 11920 is indicated for the correction of color defects of the skin, particularly in cases where there is a need for micropigmentation. This may include conditions such as:
The procedure for tattooing using CPT® Code 11920 involves several key steps that ensure the accurate application of pigment to the skin. The first step is the careful outlining of the tattoo site by the physician using a pen. This initial marking is crucial as it defines the exact area where the pigment will be applied, ensuring precision and minimizing the risk of error. Once the site is outlined, the physician prepares the tattoo instrument, which is specifically designed for the intradermal introduction of pigments. The next step involves the injection of the colored dye into the skin using this specialized instrument. The instrument is designed to create artificial pigmentation, allowing for the effective correction of the color defect. The physician must ensure that the dye is evenly distributed within the outlined area to achieve a natural appearance. Throughout the procedure, attention to detail is paramount to ensure that the final result meets the aesthetic goals of the patient.
After the completion of the tattooing procedure coded under CPT® Code 11920, patients may require specific post-procedure care to ensure optimal healing and results. It is generally advised that patients keep the treated area clean and avoid exposing it to excessive moisture or sunlight for a specified period. Additionally, patients may be instructed to apply a healing ointment as recommended by the physician to promote recovery and prevent infection. Monitoring the area for any signs of adverse reactions, such as redness or swelling, is also important. Patients should follow any additional instructions provided by the physician to ensure the best possible outcome from the procedure.
| Short Descr | CORRECT SKIN COLOR 6.0 CM/< | Medium Descr | TATTOOING INCL MICROPIGMENTATION 6.0 CM/< | Long Descr | Tattooing, intradermal introduction of insoluble opaque pigments to correct color defects of skin, including micropigmentation; 6.0 sq cm or less | Status Code | Restricted Coverage | 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) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures 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 | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | ASC Payment Indicator | Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6A - Minor procedures - skin | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 174 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures on skin and breast |
| 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. | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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