Summary & Overview
CPT 11900: Intralesional Corticosteroid Injection for Large Nodules and Keloids
CPT code 11900 represents an intralesional corticosteroid injection used to treat large nodules, keloids, lichenified hyperkeratotic lesions, and similar localized dermatologic conditions. The code captures a commonly performed, procedure-based intervention in dermatology and surgical specialties that can reduce inflammation, scar tissue, and symptomatic lesion burden. Nationally, this code is relevant because it appears across outpatient dermatology clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and office-based procedural settings, affecting coverage, documentation, and billing workflows.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication summarizes payer coverage patterns and common billing considerations for these organizations. Readers will find concise benchmarks on coding and site-of-service patterns, descriptions of typical clinical contexts in which the code is used, and notes on documentation elements that support medical necessity. Where specific payer policy details are not present in the input, the text indicates "Data not available in the input." The intent is to provide a national-level operational and clinical overview that supports coding accuracy and administrative planning without offering clinical recommendations.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 11900 describes an intralesional injection of a corticosteroid, commonly using agents such as triamcinolone acetonide. The procedure is indicated for treatment of large nodules, keloids, lichenified hyperkeratotic lesions, and other localized dermatologic conditions where direct corticosteroid delivery into the lesion is clinically appropriate.
Service type: Intralesional corticosteroid injection (procedure-based dermatologist or surgical dermatology service)
Typical site of service: Outpatient dermatology clinic, ambulatory surgical center, or office-based procedure room
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 34-year-old patient presents to a dermatology clinic with a firm, symptomatic keloid on the anterior chest that developed after piercings. The lesion is hyperpigmented, raised, and causing itching and cosmetic concern. After clinical evaluation and discussion of treatment options, the dermatologist elects to perform an intralesional corticosteroid injection using triamcinolone acetonide to reduce scar hypertrophy and inflammation. The workflow includes verifying informed consent, documenting lesion size and location, photographing the lesion, preparing medication and syringe, using aseptic technique to inject steroid directly into the lesion, observing the patient briefly for immediate adverse reaction, and providing post-procedure instructions and follow-up scheduling. Typical sites of service are outpatient dermatology clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and office-based procedure rooms. The procedure is performed by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or other qualified specialists with training in intralesional injections. The visit is coded with 11900 for intralesional injection of a corticosteroid for a single lesion; repeat injections at intervals may be billed per payer policy and documented in the medical record.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
25 | Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure |