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Official Description

Subcutaneous injection of filling material (eg, collagen); 1 cc or less

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 11950 involves the subcutaneous injection of a filling material, which is commonly collagen. This procedure is typically performed to address various dermatological concerns, including the treatment of acne scars and facial wrinkles. The injection is administered beneath the skin's surface, allowing the filling material to provide volume and improve the appearance of the skin. The specific volume of filling material used in this procedure is 1 cc or less, which is crucial for ensuring the appropriate application and effectiveness of the treatment. It is important to note that there are additional codes for different volumes of injection, such as CPT® Code 11951 for 1.1 to 5.0 cc, CPT® Code 11952 for 5.1 to 10.0 cc, and CPT® Code 11954 for injections exceeding 10.0 cc. This structured approach to coding ensures that medical coders and billers can accurately document and bill for the specific services rendered based on the volume of filling material used.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The subcutaneous injection of filling material, as described by CPT® Code 11950, is indicated for various dermatological conditions. The primary indications include:

  • Acne Scars The procedure is often performed to improve the appearance of acne scars, which can be a source of distress for many patients.
  • Facial Wrinkles This injection is also utilized to reduce the visibility of facial wrinkles, helping to restore a more youthful appearance.
  • Dermatological Defects Other skin imperfections that may benefit from the injection of filling material include fine lines and volume loss in specific areas of the face.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the subcutaneous injection of filling material involves several key steps to ensure safety and effectiveness. The following procedural steps are typically followed:

  • Step 1: Patient Assessment Prior to the injection, the physician conducts a thorough assessment of the patient's skin condition and discusses the desired outcomes. This may include evaluating the areas to be treated and determining the appropriate volume of filling material needed.
  • Step 2: Preparation of the Injection Site The area where the injection will be administered is cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection. Local anesthesia may be applied to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Injection of Filling Material The physician carefully injects the filling material subcutaneously, ensuring that the material is evenly distributed and placed at the correct depth. The injection is typically limited to 1 cc or less for this specific code.
  • Step 4: Post-Injection Care After the injection, the physician may provide instructions for post-procedure care, which can include avoiding certain activities and monitoring for any adverse reactions.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the subcutaneous injection of filling material, patients are generally advised to follow specific post-procedure care instructions to ensure optimal results and minimize complications. Common recommendations may include avoiding strenuous activities, exposure to extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight for a specified period. Patients should also be informed about potential side effects, such as swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site, which are typically temporary. Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the results and determine if additional treatments are necessary.

Short Descr TX CONTOUR DEFECTS 1 CC/<
Medium Descr SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION FILLING MATERIAL 1 CC/<
Long Descr Subcutaneous injection of filling material (eg, collagen); 1 cc 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.
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.
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.)
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
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
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)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
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2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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