Summary & Overview
CPT 11441: Excision of Benign Facial or Mucosal Lesion 0.6–1.0 cm
CPT code 11441 represents the surgical excision of a benign lesion on high-visibility facial areas or mucous membranes measuring 0.6–1.0 cm with a simple (nonlayered) closure. This code is commonly used in dermatology, plastic surgery, and general surgical practice for removal of noncancerous skin and mucosal lesions in cosmetically sensitive locations. Nationally, accurate use of this code matters for clinical documentation, appropriate procedure mapping, and consistent reimbursement for minor outpatient procedures performed in office or ambulatory settings.
Key payers covered in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical context for 11441, typical sites of service, and the specific procedure elements that distinguish it from other excision codes (lesion size and simple closure). The publication also summarizes payer coverage considerations, coding relationships, and expected billing implications. Where available, benchmarks and policy updates relevant to minor skin and mucosal excisions are highlighted. Data not available in the input is indicated where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 11441 describes the excision of a benign lesion on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane measuring 0.6 to 1.0 cm in diameter, with a simple (nonlayered) closure performed by the provider.
Service type: Minor surgical excision with simple closure.
Typical site of service: Office, outpatient clinic, or ambulatory surgery setting involving facial or mucosal soft tissue.
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 52-year-old individual presenting to an outpatient dermatology or general surgery clinic with a solitary, clinically benign-appearing cutaneous lesion on the face measuring approximately 0.8 cm in greatest diameter. The lesion has been present for several months, is asymptomatic aside from cosmetic concern, and the clinician counsels the patient regarding excision. After informed consent, local anesthesia with lidocaine (with or without epinephrine) is administered. The provider performs an elliptical excision of the lesion including appropriate margins, obtaining a specimen for pathology if indicated, and completes a simple (nonlayered) linear closure with sutures. Hemostasis is achieved, the wound is dressed, and postoperative care instructions are reviewed. Typical documentation includes lesion location, measured size (0.6–1.0 cm for 11441), clinical impression (e.g., benign nevus, seborrheic keratosis), anesthesia, technique, closure type (simple closure), and pathology disposition. Typical site of service is an outpatient clinic procedure room, ambulatory surgery center, or office-based procedural suite. Service type: minor surgical excision with simple closure on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
25 | Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of procedure |