Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers

CPT 11602: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, 1.1–2.0 cm, Trunk/Arms/Legs

CPT code 11602 represents the surgical excision of a malignant (cancerous) skin lesion, including margins, for lesions measuring 1.1 to 2.0 cm in diameter on the trunk, arms, or legs. This code is commonly used in dermatologic and surgical oncology settings and matters nationally because it captures definitive, often curative, treatment for primary cutaneous malignancies and drives billing and quality-tracking for procedural dermatology.

Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, United Healthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines payer coverage considerations and benchmarking for facility and professional claims across these major payers.

Readers will learn the clinical context for using CPT code 11602, typical sites of service, and how it relates to nearby procedure codes for lesion destruction and excision by size and location. The report summarizes common billing relationships and situates 11602 within procedural dermatology coding practice, covering expected use cases, comparators, and coding adjacency. Data not provided in the input (e.g., precise reimbursement rates, utilization metrics, or payer-specific policy language) is indicated as unavailable where relevant.

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for cpt 11602 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 11602 are released or updated.

Monitor payer policy activity

Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 11602 describes the excision of a malignant skin lesion, including margins, with a lesion diameter of 1.1 to 2.0 cm on the trunk, arms, or legs. This procedure involves surgical removal of a cancerous cutaneous lesion with appropriate margins to achieve oncologic control.

Service type: Surgical excision of malignant cutaneous lesion

Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center, hospital outpatient department, or physician office surgical suite, with the lesion located on the trunk, upper extremities, or lower extremities.

National Reimbursement Benchmarks

Across national payers, Medicare’s mean rate of $249.10 sits well below BUCA’s average commercial mean of $569.10, indicating a substantial spread between the public baseline and this commercial benchmark. The gap of $320.00 between Medicare and BUCA highlights the divergence in reimbursement levels that can exist between a federal fee schedule and commercial networks.

Examining dispersion using the interquartile range (P75 minus P25) shows variability differences across payers. Blue Cross Blue Shield has the widest IQR at $268.00, followed by UnitedHealth Group at $232.00 and BUCA at $331.00? WAIT: must compute correctly. Actually BUCA p75 705.4 - p25 437.4 = $268.00; UnitedHealth p75 448.6 - p25 221.6 = $227.00; Cigna p75 417.5 - p25 203.7 = $213.80; Aetna p75 228.0 - p25 80.2 = $147.80; Medicare p75 259 - p25 232 = $27.00. The tightest dispersion is Medicare at $27.00 and the widest are Blue Cross Blue Shield and BUCA at $268.00.

Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers

CPT 11602: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, 1.1–2.0 cm, Trunk/Arms/Legs

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for cpt 11602 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 11602 are released or updated.

Monitor payer policy activity

Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

Billing Code Overview

Service type: Surgical excision of malignant cutaneous lesion

National Reimbursement Benchmarks

National Payer Mean Reimbursement Rates

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 64-year-old male presents to a dermatology clinic with a recently biopsy-proven malignant melanoma located on the lateral trunk measuring approximately 1.3 cm in greatest diameter. The dermatologist evaluates the lesion, reviews the biopsy confirming invasive melanoma, discusses surgical excision with the patient, obtains informed consent, and schedules an outpatient excision under local anesthesia. On the day of service the patient receives pre-procedure vital signs and local anesthetic infiltration. The surgeon excises the malignant lesion with appropriate surgical margins to encompass the tumor and obtain clear margins, closes the wound primarily, and completes pathology submission of the excised specimen. Post-procedure instructions and wound care are reviewed prior to discharge.

Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgery center or outpatient dermatology procedure room.

Service type: Surgical excision of a malignant skin lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs for lesion diameter 1.1–2.0 cm, including margins and specimen handling for pathology.

Typical clinical workflow: Pre-procedure evaluation and consent → local anesthesia administration → excision with margin control and hemostasis → specimen orientation/labeling and submission to pathology → wound repair and postoperative instructions → documentation of lesion size, margins, technique, and specimen disposition.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`25`	Significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as a procedure	Use when a distinct evaluation and management visit is provided and documented on the same date as the excision.
`51`	Multiple procedures	Use when more than one distinct procedure is performed during the same session (if payer accepts modifier 51).
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use to indicate a separate and distinct procedure or service not normally reported together.
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician	Use when the same excision procedure is repeated later the same day by the same provider.
`77`	Repeat procedure by another physician	Use when a repeat of the procedure is performed by a different physician on the same day.
`78`	Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Use when the patient returns to the OR/procedure room for a related complication during the global period.
`79`	Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period	Use when an unrelated procedure is performed during the global period.
`22`	Increased procedural service	Use when work required to perform the excision is substantially greater than typical and adequately documented.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the excision is partially reduced or not completed as described by the CPT code and documentation supports reduction.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the procedure is started but halted due to extenuating circumstances and documentation supports discontinuation.
`26`	Professional component	Use when reporting only the professional component of a diagnostic test or service (rare for excision; applicable if separate reporting of physician professional component occurs).
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use to indicate a separate and distinct procedure or service not normally reported together.
`RT`	Right side	Use to indicate the procedure was performed on the right side when lateral modifiers are required by payer.
`LT`	Left side	Use to indicate the procedure was performed on the left side when lateral modifiers are required by payer.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`207N00000X`	Dermatology	Primary specialty performing skin lesion excisions in outpatient settings.
`207ND0101X`	MOHS-Micrographic Surgery	Mohs surgeons may manage complex malignant skin tumors; relevant when specialized margin control techniques are used.
`207NS0135X`	Procedural Dermatology	Providers focused on surgical and procedural dermatologic care performing excisions and repairs.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`C43.51`	Malignant melanoma of anal skin	Melanoma located on or near the trunk/anal skin may require excisional surgery with margins; code supports malignant diagnosis for billing `11602` when site corresponds.
`C43.52`	Malignant melanoma of skin of breast	Melanoma of the breast skin is managed surgically; lesion size 1.1–2.0 cm aligns with `11602` when on trunk.
`C43.59`	Malignant melanoma of other part of trunk	Directly relevant: malignant melanoma on trunk sites treated with surgical excision coded to `11602` for 1.1–2.0 cm lesions.
`C43.60`	Malignant melanoma of unspecified upper limb, including shoulder	Relevant when lesion is on the upper limb or shoulder within the CPT anatomical grouping for trunk/arms/legs and size fits `11602`.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`11200`	Introduction of needle or catheter; subcutaneous or intramuscular	May be billed for separate injections if reported as distinct services (e.g., urgent immunizations or injections unrelated to excision).
`11201`	Introduction of needle or catheter; intra‑arterial, for contrast injection	Not typically related; listed for reference in the input.
`17000`	Destruction of premalignant lesion (e.g., actinic keratosis)	Represents destruction of premalignant lesions; used for non-malignant surface lesions rather than surgical excision.
`17260`	Destruction of malignant lesion, trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less	Alternative approach when lesion destruction (e.g., electrodessication, cryotherapy) is performed instead of excision for very small malignant lesions if clinically appropriate.
`17261`	Destruction of malignant lesion, trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 0.6‑1.0 cm	Similar alternative for lesions 0.6–1.0 cm in diameter.
`17262`	Destruction of malignant lesion, trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 1.1‑2.0 cm	Alternative code for destructive techniques for malignant lesions in the same size range as `11602`; used when destruction rather than excision is performed.
`17263`	Destruction of malignant lesion, trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 2.1‑3.0 cm	Alternative destructive procedure code for larger lesions.
`17264`	Destruction of malignant lesion, trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 3.1‑4.0 cm	Alternative destructive procedure code for larger lesions.
`17270`	Destruction of malignant lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less	Alternative when lesion location is on high-risk cosmetic areas and destruction is performed.
`17271`	Destruction of malignant lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; lesion diameter 0.6‑1.0 cm	See relationship above.
`17272`	Destruction of malignant lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; lesion diameter 1.1‑2.0 cm	See relationship above for destructive techniques on cosmetically sensitive sites.
`17273`	Destruction of malignant lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; lesion diameter 2.1‑3.0 cm	See relationship above.
`17280`	Destruction of malignant lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less	Alternative code for destructive approaches on these anatomic sites.
`17281`	Destruction of malignant lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 0.6‑1.0 cm	See relationship above.
`17282`	Destruction of malignant lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 1.1‑2.0 cm	Alternative destructive code for lesions 1.1–2.0 cm on these sites.

CPT 11600: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion ≤0.5 cm, Trunk/Arms/Legs

CPT-11601-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS-0-6-1-0-CM

CPT 11601: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, Trunk/Arms/Legs (0.6–1.0 cm)

CPT-11603-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS-2-1-3-0-CM

CPT 11603: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, Trunk/Arms/Legs 2.1–3.0 cm

CPT-11604-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS-3-1-4-0-CM

CPT 11604: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, Trunk/Arms/Legs 3.1–4.0 cm

CPT-11606-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS-OVER-4CM

CPT 11606: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion >4.0 cm, Trunk/Arms/Legs

CPT-11620-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-SKIN-LESION-SMALL-DIAMETER-SCALP-NECK-HANDS-FEET-GENITALIA

CPT 11620: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion ≤0.5 cm, Scalp/Neck/Hands/Feet/Genitalia

CPT-11621-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-06-10-MM-SCALP-NECK-HANDS-FEET-GENITALIA

CPT 11621: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, 0.6–1.0 cm

CPT-11622-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-1-1-TO-2CM-SCALP-NECK-HANDS-FEET-GENITALIA

CPT 11622: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion 1.1–2.0 cm

CPT-11623-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-SKIN-LESION-2-1-3CM-SCALP-NECK-HANDS-FEET-GENITALIA

CPT 11623: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, 2.1–3.0 cm

CPT-11624-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-3-1-TO-4-0-CM-SCALP-NECK-HANDS-FEET-GENITALIA

CPT 11624: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, 3.1–4.0 cm

Showing 1–10 of 17

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgery center or outpatient dermatology procedure room.

Service type: Surgical excision of a malignant skin lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs for lesion diameter 1.1–2.0 cm, including margins and specimen handling for pathology.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`25`	Significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as a procedure	Use when a distinct evaluation and management visit is provided and documented on the same date as the excision.
`51`	Multiple procedures	Use when more than one distinct procedure is performed during the same session (if payer accepts modifier 51).
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use to indicate a separate and distinct procedure or service not normally reported together.
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician	Use when the same excision procedure is repeated later the same day by the same provider.
`77`	Repeat procedure by another physician	Use when a repeat of the procedure is performed by a different physician on the same day.
`78`	Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Use when the patient returns to the OR/procedure room for a related complication during the global period.
`79`	Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period	Use when an unrelated procedure is performed during the global period.
`22`	Increased procedural service	Use when work required to perform the excision is substantially greater than typical and adequately documented.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the excision is partially reduced or not completed as described by the CPT code and documentation supports reduction.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the procedure is started but halted due to extenuating circumstances and documentation supports discontinuation.
`26`	Professional component	Use when reporting only the professional component of a diagnostic test or service (rare for excision; applicable if separate reporting of physician professional component occurs).
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use to indicate a separate and distinct procedure or service not normally reported together.
`RT`	Right side	Use to indicate the procedure was performed on the right side when lateral modifiers are required by payer.
`LT`	Left side	Use to indicate the procedure was performed on the left side when lateral modifiers are required by payer.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`207N00000X`	Dermatology	Primary specialty performing skin lesion excisions in outpatient settings.
`207ND0101X`	MOHS-Micrographic Surgery	Mohs surgeons may manage complex malignant skin tumors; relevant when specialized margin control techniques are used.
`207NS0135X`	Procedural Dermatology	Providers focused on surgical and procedural dermatologic care performing excisions and repairs.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`C43.51`	Malignant melanoma of anal skin	Melanoma located on or near the trunk/anal skin may require excisional surgery with margins; code supports malignant diagnosis for billing `11602` when site corresponds.
`C43.52`	Malignant melanoma of skin of breast	Melanoma of the breast skin is managed surgically; lesion size 1.1–2.0 cm aligns with `11602` when on trunk.
`C43.59`	Malignant melanoma of other part of trunk	Directly relevant: malignant melanoma on trunk sites treated with surgical excision coded to `11602` for 1.1–2.0 cm lesions.
`C43.60`	Malignant melanoma of unspecified upper limb, including shoulder	Relevant when lesion is on the upper limb or shoulder within the CPT anatomical grouping for trunk/arms/legs and size fits `11602`.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`11200`	Introduction of needle or catheter; subcutaneous or intramuscular	May be billed for separate injections if reported as distinct services (e.g., urgent immunizations or injections unrelated to excision).
`11201`	Introduction of needle or catheter; intra‑arterial, for contrast injection	Not typically related; listed for reference in the input.
`17000`	Destruction of premalignant lesion (e.g., actinic keratosis)	Represents destruction of premalignant lesions; used for non-malignant surface lesions rather than surgical excision.
`17260`	Destruction of malignant lesion, trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less	Alternative approach when lesion destruction (e.g., electrodessication, cryotherapy) is performed instead of excision for very small malignant lesions if clinically appropriate.
`17261`	Destruction of malignant lesion, trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 0.6‑1.0 cm	Similar alternative for lesions 0.6–1.0 cm in diameter.
`17262`	Destruction of malignant lesion, trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 1.1‑2.0 cm	Alternative code for destructive techniques for malignant lesions in the same size range as `11602`; used when destruction rather than excision is performed.
`17263`	Destruction of malignant lesion, trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 2.1‑3.0 cm	Alternative destructive procedure code for larger lesions.
`17264`	Destruction of malignant lesion, trunk, arms, or legs; lesion diameter 3.1‑4.0 cm	Alternative destructive procedure code for larger lesions.
`17270`	Destruction of malignant lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less	Alternative when lesion location is on high-risk cosmetic areas and destruction is performed.
`17271`	Destruction of malignant lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; lesion diameter 0.6‑1.0 cm	See relationship above.
`17272`	Destruction of malignant lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; lesion diameter 1.1‑2.0 cm	See relationship above for destructive techniques on cosmetically sensitive sites.
`17273`	Destruction of malignant lesion, face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips; lesion diameter 2.1‑3.0 cm	See relationship above.
`17280`	Destruction of malignant lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less	Alternative code for destructive approaches on these anatomic sites.
`17281`	Destruction of malignant lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 0.6‑1.0 cm	See relationship above.
`17282`	Destruction of malignant lesion, scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter 1.1‑2.0 cm	Alternative destructive code for lesions 1.1–2.0 cm on these sites.

CPT 11600: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion ≤0.5 cm, Trunk/Arms/Legs

CPT-11601-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS-0-6-1-0-CM

CPT 11601: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, Trunk/Arms/Legs (0.6–1.0 cm)

CPT-11603-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS-2-1-3-0-CM

CPT 11603: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, Trunk/Arms/Legs 2.1–3.0 cm

CPT-11604-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS-3-1-4-0-CM

CPT 11604: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, Trunk/Arms/Legs 3.1–4.0 cm

CPT-11606-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS-OVER-4CM

CPT 11606: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion >4.0 cm, Trunk/Arms/Legs

CPT-11620-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-SKIN-LESION-SMALL-DIAMETER-SCALP-NECK-HANDS-FEET-GENITALIA

CPT 11620: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion ≤0.5 cm, Scalp/Neck/Hands/Feet/Genitalia

CPT-11621-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-06-10-MM-SCALP-NECK-HANDS-FEET-GENITALIA

CPT 11621: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, 0.6–1.0 cm

CPT-11622-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-1-1-TO-2CM-SCALP-NECK-HANDS-FEET-GENITALIA

CPT 11622: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion 1.1–2.0 cm

CPT-11623-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-SKIN-LESION-2-1-3CM-SCALP-NECK-HANDS-FEET-GENITALIA

CPT 11623: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, 2.1–3.0 cm

CPT-11624-EXCISION-MALIGNANT-LESION-3-1-TO-4-0-CM-SCALP-NECK-HANDS-FEET-GENITALIA

CPT 11624: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, 3.1–4.0 cm

Showing 1–10 of 17

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

OpenPayer

CPT 11602: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, 1.1–2.0 cm, Trunk/Arms/Legs

Sign up for cpt 11602 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

National Reimbursement Benchmarks

Catch payer policy changes before they impact reimbursement

Catch payer policy changes before they impact reimbursement

OpenPayer

CPT 11602: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, 1.1–2.0 cm, Trunk/Arms/Legs

Sign up for cpt 11602 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

National Reimbursement Benchmarks

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

CPT 11602: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, 1.1–2.0 cm, Trunk/Arms/Legs

Sign up for cpt 11602 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

National Reimbursement Benchmarks

CPT 11602: Excision of Malignant Skin Lesion, 1.1–2.0 cm, Trunk/Arms/Legs

Sign up for cpt 11602 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

National Reimbursement Benchmarks

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

When should CPT code 11602 be used?

Which modifiers are listed as applicable to 11602 and when are they used?

What reimbursement benchmarks and payer differences are reported for CPT 11602?

How does 11602 relate to nearby CPT codes for lesion destruction or excision?

What is the typical clinical workflow and example case described for using 11602?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

When should CPT code 11602 be used?

Which modifiers are listed as applicable to 11602 and when are they used?

What reimbursement benchmarks and payer differences are reported for CPT 11602?

How does 11602 relate to nearby CPT codes for lesion destruction or excision?

What is the typical clinical workflow and example case described for using 11602?

References