Summary & Overview
CPT 11952: Collagen Injection, Subcutaneous 5.1–10.0 cc
CPT code 11952 denotes the injection of 5.1 cc to 10.0 cc of collagen into the subcutaneous layer of skin, a soft-tissue augmentation procedure commonly used for contour correction and cosmetic volume restoration. Nationally, this code matters for procedures performed in outpatient dermatology and plastic surgery settings and for payers managing coverage and coding for injectables and biomaterial implants. Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical service represented by the code, payer coverage scope, and the typical sites of service. The publication also summarizes common billing modifiers associated with this service and highlights relevant areas for coding accuracy and claims processing. Where available, benchmarks for utilization and payer-specific policy notes are provided to help billing and clinical teams align documentation and claim submission with payer expectations. Data not available in the input will be clearly identified in corresponding sections of the full publication.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 11952 describes the injection of 5.1 cc to 10.0 cc of collagen into the subcutaneous layer of skin. This procedure is a soft-tissue augmentation service that involves placement of collagen material beneath the skin surface to correct contour deformities, losses of soft tissue volume, or for cosmetic enhancement.
Service Type: Collagen subcutaneous injection / soft-tissue augmentation
Typical Site of Service: Outpatient clinic or ambulatory surgical setting, including dermatology or plastic surgery offices where minor injectable procedures are performed.
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult presenting to a dermatology or plastic surgery clinic seeking subcutaneous collagen injection for soft tissue augmentation to correct contour deformities or volume loss after trauma, surgical excision, or congenital deficiency. The patient has a focused history and examination documenting the treatment area, prior treatments, allergies (including collagen sensitivity), and informed consent. The clinical workflow includes pre-procedure evaluation, marking the treatment site, local anesthesia if indicated, aseptic preparation, injection of 5.1 cc to 10.0 cc of collagen into the subcutaneous layer, post-procedure instructions, and brief observation for immediate adverse reactions before discharge.
Common settings are outpatient dermatology or ambulatory surgery centers. Typical personnel include the performing physician (dermatologist or plastic surgeon), a registered nurse or medical assistant for prep and monitoring, and availability of resuscitation equipment for rare allergic reactions. Documentation should record the exact volume injected, specific anatomic site, lot numbers of biologic material if applicable, consent, and any immediate complications.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Usually reported when the CPT code describes the default or standard service |