Summary & Overview
CPT 11308: Shave Excision of Single Lesion >2.0 cm
CPT code 11308 designates a shave excision of a single epidermal or dermal lesion larger than 2.0 cm located on anatomically sensitive sites such as the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitals. This procedure-level code is used nationally to capture billing for removal of larger superficial skin lesions where shave technique is appropriate and site-specific considerations may affect coding and clinical management.
Key payers in the national analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication summarizes how CPT code 11308 is applied across payers and what clinicians and billing professionals should expect when reporting this service.
Readers will find a concise clinical context for the code, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers and usage patterns where provided, and national payer coverage scope. The report also outlines typical documentation elements that support use of this code and highlights areas where payers commonly request clarification. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 11308 describes the surgical removal by shaving of a single epidermal or dermal lesion greater than 2.0 cm in diameter. The procedure involves tangential excision of a skin lesion where the lesion size criterion (>2.0 cm) is the defining factor.
-
Service type: Surgical lesion removal (shave excision)
-
Typical site of service: Scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitals
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old male presents to an outpatient dermatology clinic with a 2.5 cm raised, friable pigmented lesion on the lateral scalp that has been bleeding intermittently. The dermatologist evaluates the lesion in clinic, documents clinical appearance and size, discusses options, and elects a shave removal of the lesion under local anesthesia. The procedure is performed in the dermatology office; the provider cleans the site, administers local infiltration anesthesia, uses a scalpel or razor to shave the lesion flush with skin surface, achieves hemostasis, and provides wound care instructions. Specimen handling and labeling for pathology is completed when indicated. Typical workflow includes pre-procedure consent, brief procedural documentation (lesion location, size >2.0 cm, technique), modifier use as appropriate for global period or professional component, and submission of pathology when excised tissue is sent for histologic examination.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Normal, established patient | Use when procedure performed for an established patient encounter. |
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work substantially greater than typical is documented (e.g., extensive bleeding control, unusually difficult lesion). |
23 | Unusual anesthesia | Use when general or regional anesthesia is required for the procedure because local anesthesia is contraindicated or insufficient. |
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the professional component of a service separate from facility or technical component. |
50 | Bilateral procedure | Use when shave removal is performed on symmetric sites bilaterally and payer accepts bilateral modifier for skin procedures. |
51 | Multiple procedures | Use when multiple distinct procedures are performed at the same encounter and payer requires coding of secondary procedures. |
52 | Reduced services | Use when the service is partially reduced or not completed as documented. |
53 | Discontinued procedure | Use when the procedure is started but discontinued due to documented clinical reasons. |
59 | Distinct procedural service | Use to indicate a separate, distinct procedure when applicable (e.g., separate lesion on different anatomical site during same session). |
62 | Two surgeons | Use when two surgeons perform distinct parts of the procedure and documentation supports co-surgeon involvement. |
76 | Repeat procedure by same physician | Use when the same physician repeats the procedure later the same day. |
78 | Unplanned return to operating/procedure room by same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period | Use for unplanned returns to manage complications related to the initial procedure. |
80 | Assistant surgeon | Use when an assistant surgeon participates and payer allows assistant reporting. |
LT | Left side | Use to indicate laterality when reporting anatomic side. |
RT | Right side | Use to indicate laterality when reporting anatomic side. |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 207Q00000X | Dermatology | Primary specialty that commonly performs shave removal of skin lesions. |
| 207K00000X | Dermatopathology | Involved when pathology evaluation of shaved specimen is required. |
| 208000000X | General Practice/Family Medicine | May perform shave removal in outpatient clinic settings. |
| 207L00000X | Plastic Surgery | Performs shave removals in cases requiring reconstructive planning or complex anatomy. |
| 208200000X | Internal Medicine | Performs minor skin procedures in some outpatient settings. |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
L82.0 | Actinic keratosis | Premalignant lesion often removed if hypertrophic or symptomatic; shave may be used for diagnostic/therapeutic removal. |
D23.9 | Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin, unspecified | Used when lesion appearance is uncertain and removal with pathology is required. |
C44.9 | Malignant neoplasm of skin of unspecified site | Used when a malignant skin lesion is suspected and excision/shave is performed for diagnosis and treatment. |
L91.8 | Other hypertrophic disorders of skin | Relevant for thickened benign lesions on scalp or regions where shave removal may be appropriate. |
L57.0 | Actinic keratosis | (Alternate ICD-10 commonly used synonym for sun-related keratoses) Relevant for lesions on sun-exposed sites like scalp. |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
11300 | Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, diameter 0.5 cm or less | Lower-size shave code for smaller lesions; used when lesion does not exceed 0.5 cm. |
11301 | Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, diameter 0.6 to 1.0 cm | Used when lesion size falls within 0.6–1.0 cm instead of 11308. |
11302 | Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, diameter 1.1 to 2.0 cm | Used for lesions up to 2.0 cm; 11308 is used when lesion is greater than 2.0 cm on specified sites. |
11305 | Shaving of epidermal or dermal lesion, single lesion, diameter 0.5 cm or less, scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitals | Site-specific smaller lesion shave; relates by anatomical site consideration. |
11102 | Tangential biopsy of skin, single lesion | Alternative diagnostic technique when a tangential biopsy is performed instead of a therapeutic shave; may precede definitive removal. |
88305 | Level IV surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination | Pathology code commonly billed when a shaved specimen is submitted for histologic evaluation and diagnosis. |