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CPT® Code 17360 refers to the procedure of chemical exfoliation specifically for the treatment of acne. This method involves the application of chemical agents, such as acne paste or acids, to facilitate the controlled removal of one or more layers of the epidermis and superficial dermis. The primary goal of this procedure is to improve the appearance of the skin by addressing active acne lesions. Chemical exfoliation is typically performed using alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) at concentrations ranging from 50% to 70%. These acids are applied to the affected areas of the skin, promoting the shedding of dead skin cells and aiding in the unclogging of pores. This process not only helps in reducing acne but also enhances the overall texture and tone of the skin. The procedure is considered a non-invasive option for patients seeking to manage their acne effectively.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 17360 is indicated for the treatment of active acne. This includes patients who present with various forms of acne lesions that may benefit from chemical exfoliation. The following conditions are explicitly associated with the use of this procedure:
The procedure for chemical exfoliation as outlined in CPT® Code 17360 involves several key steps that ensure effective treatment of acne. The following procedural steps are typically followed:
Following the chemical exfoliation procedure, patients may experience some redness, peeling, or sensitivity in the treated areas. It is important for patients to follow the post-procedure care instructions provided by the physician, which may include avoiding sun exposure, using gentle skin care products, and applying moisturizers to aid in recovery. The expected recovery time can vary depending on the individual's skin type and the extent of the treatment, but most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure. Regular follow-up appointments may be recommended to assess the skin's response and determine if additional treatments are necessary.
| Short Descr | CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION ACNE | Medium Descr | CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION ACNE | Long Descr | Chemical exfoliation for acne (eg, acne paste, acid) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 010 - 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) | 1 - Statutory 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 | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 170 - Excision of skin lesion |
| 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. | 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. | 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.) | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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