Summary & Overview
CPT 0700T: Fluorescent Imaging Assessment of Suspicious Mole, First Lesion
CPT code 0700T represents a specialized diagnostic procedure that uses a fluorescent dye, dedicated imaging hardware, and analytic software to assess a suspicious mole for tissue changes and cellular abnormalities. The code applies to the first lesion evaluated and is positioned within dermatology and outpatient diagnostic services. Nationally, this code matters because it documents use of advanced, noninvasive imaging intended to improve lesion characterization and guide further management.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical setting and service definition, typical sites of service, and common modifiers associated with billing this service. The publication also summarizes relevant benchmarks and policy considerations that affect coverage and coding practices, and provides clinical context to support accurate documentation and claim submission.
This executive summary orients readers to how CPT code 0700T fits into dermatologic diagnostic services, what to expect in payer interactions at a national level, and which operational elements—such as lesion-based reporting—are central to correct use of the code. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable in the detailed sections.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0700T describes a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a fluorescent dye, a specialized imaging device, and analysis software to evaluate a suspicious mole for tissue changes and cellular abnormalities. This code applies to the first lesion examined.
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Service type: Diagnostic skin lesion assessment using fluorescence imaging
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Typical site of service: Dermatology clinic or outpatient imaging facility
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient presents to a dermatology clinic with a solitary pigmented lesion that has recently changed in color and outline. The clinician performs an in‑office optical assessment using a topical fluorescent dye, a dedicated fluorescence imaging device, and analysis software to evaluate cellular and structural abnormalities within the first suspicious lesion. The workflow includes: pre-procedure informed consent, application of the fluorescent agent to the lesion, image capture with the device, automated and clinician review of software-generated analysis, documentation of findings in the medical record, and determination of next steps (serial monitoring, biopsy, or excision). Typical site of service is an outpatient dermatology clinic or ambulatory surgical center. The service is provided by dermatologists or dermatologic surgeons trained in the fluorescence imaging system and by dermatology physician assistants or nurse practitioners under their supervision. Typical clinical indications include newly changing pigmented lesions, lesions with clinical/dermoscopic concern for malignancy, or lesions in patients with a history of melanoma under surveillance.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work required is substantially greater than typically required for 0700T (document rationale). |
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician interpretation/report separate from the technical component. |
52 | Reduced services | Use when the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as planned but still performed in a limited manner. |
53 | Discontinued procedure | Use when the procedure is started but terminated due to patient instability or other extenuating circumstances. |
62 | Two surgeons | Use when two surgeons with different skills are required and both perform part of the service. |
78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room for a complication | Use when the patient returns for an unplanned related procedure due to a complication of the original service. |
TC | Technical component | Use when billing only the imaging equipment, supplies, and technician portion separate from the professional component. |
QK | Medical direction of two or more CRNAs or QHPs | Use when the reporting clinician medically directs multiple qualified healthcare providers involved in the procedure (as applicable to anesthesia/office sedation workflows). |
QX | CRNA service with medical direction by physician | Use when a CRNA provides anesthesia services under medical direction related to the procedure. |
QY | Medical direction of one CRNA by physician | Use when the physician directs a single CRNA involved in anesthesia for the visit. |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 207N00000X | Dermatology | Board-certified dermatologists commonly perform evaluation and interpretation of lesion fluorescence imaging. |
| 207ND0200X | Dermatopathology | Dermatopathologists may correlate imaging findings with biopsy and histopathology for final diagnosis. |
| 163W00000X | Physician Assistant | Dermatology PAs frequently assist with image capture and patient counseling under physician supervision. |
| 363A00000X | Nurse Practitioner | Dermatology NPs may perform image acquisition and initial interpretation under collaborating physician oversight. |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
C43.9 | Malignant melanoma of skin, unspecified | Imaging assists in evaluating lesions suspicious for melanoma to determine need for biopsy. |
D03.9 | Melanoma in situ, unspecified | Fluorescence imaging may help delineate lesion margins and assess atypia prompting biopsy or excision. |
L82.1 | Lentigo maligna | Common pigmented lesion in older adults where imaging aids assessment of atypical features. |
L82.0 | Solar lentigo | Benign pigmented lesion evaluated to distinguish from atypical or malignant lesions. |
R23.1 | Abnormal color of skin | Non-specific presenting sign prompting targeted imaging of a suspicious lesion. |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
11102 | Tangential biopsy of skin (eg, shave, scoop), single lesion; first lesion | Performed after imaging when the clinician decides tissue diagnosis is indicated for the suspicious lesion evaluated by 0700T. |
11100 | Biopsy of skin, subcutaneous tissue and/or mucous membrane (eg, shave, punch), single lesion | Alternative minor biopsy technique used to obtain tissue after imaging suggests abnormality. |
11305 | Shave biopsy of skin lesion, trunk, arms or legs; single lesion, moderate to large | Used when a larger shave specimen is clinically required following imaging evaluation. |
88305 | Level IV surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination | Used for histopathologic evaluation of biopsy specimens obtained after fluorescence imaging indicates need for tissue diagnosis. |
17000 | Destruction (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery), premalignant lesion (e.g., actinic keratosis); first lesion | May be used when imaging suggests a benign premalignant lesion where destruction is the chosen therapy rather than biopsy. |