CPT 17000: Destruction of First or Only Premalignant Skin Lesion
CPT code 17000 denotes the destruction of the first or only premalignant or benign skin lesion by methods such as chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or similar destructive techniques. This code is widely used in dermatology and procedural dermatology for treatment of common lesions such as actinic keratoses. Nationally, accurate use of 17000 affects coding consistency, claims adjudication, and clinical documentation for outpatient dermatologic procedures.
Key payers referenced include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of the code's clinical context, comparisons with related codes for multiple lesions (17003, 17004), typical settings where the procedure is performed, and common billing considerations. The publication provides benchmarks and policy-relevant details that inform coding choices, payer coverage considerations, and revenue cycle handling for single-lesion destruction procedures.
This summary prepares clinicians, coders, and revenue managers to identify when 17000 is the correct code for a single lesion destruction, understand payer coverage scope among major national payers, and locate related codes for additional lesions. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable in the full publication.
Sign up for cpt 17000 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing 17000 are released or updated.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 17000 reports the destruction of the first or only premalignant or benign skin lesion using methods such as chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or other destructive techniques. The code documents treatment of a single lesion when it is the first or only lesion addressed during the encounter.
Service type: Destruction of lesion (surgical/dermatologic procedure)
Typical site of service: Dermatology clinic, outpatient procedural suite, or ambulatory surgical setting
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 68-year-old patient presents to a dermatology clinic with a rough, scaly patch on the dorsal surface of the left hand that developed over several months. The dermatologist examines the lesion and documents features consistent with a premalignant actinic keratosis. After discussion of risks and benefits, the provider performs in-office destruction of the lesion using cryosurgery. The encounter includes focused evaluation of the lesion, informed consent, procedural time for the destruction technique, post-procedure wound care instructions, and documentation of the lesion count (single lesion). The procedure is reported with 17000 for the first or only premalignant lesion. Typical workflow steps include diagnosis and lesion mapping, photographic or dermatoscopic documentation as indicated, administration of topical or local anesthesia if necessary, the destruction procedure (cryotherapy, electrosurgery, chemosurgery, or similar), brief hemostasis and dressing, and discharge with aftercare instructions and follow-up as needed.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
25 | Significant, separately identifiable E/M service on same day | Use when a distinct evaluation and management visit is documented in addition to 17000 for a separate problem or expanded decision-making. |
52 | Reduced services | Use when the destruction was intentionally partially reduced or incomplete and documented. |
59 | Distinct procedural service | Use when another distinct procedure was performed on the same day and documentation supports separate billing (not appropriate if bundled). |
76 | Repeat procedure by same provider | Use if the same lesion destruction procedure is repeated later the same day. |
79 | Unrelated procedure by same provider | Use if an unrelated procedure is performed during the postoperative period of a different procedure. |
50 | Bilateral procedure | Use when the procedure is performed bilaterally and payer requires bilateral reporting (verify payer-specific rules). |
51 | Multiple procedures | Use when multiple different procedures are performed during the same session and payer requires modifier reporting. |
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when the procedure required substantially greater work than typical and documentation supports unusual work. |
59 | Distinct procedural service | Use when services are separate and distinct (duplicate entry avoided by listing once; included because commonly applicable). |
LT | Left side | Use to indicate procedure performed on the left side when laterality is required by payer. |
RT | Right side | Use to indicate procedure performed on the right side when laterality is required by payer. |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
207N00000X | Dermatology | Primary specialty that evaluates and treats actinic keratoses and performs lesion destruction. |
207ND0101X | MOHS-Micrographic Surgery | Dermatologic surgeons who may perform complex skin cancer procedures; may also manage premalignant lesions. |
207NS0135X | Procedural Dermatology | Clinicians focused on procedural treatments of skin lesions, including destruction techniques. |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
L57.0 | Actinic keratosis | Common premalignant lesion treated by destruction procedures such as cryosurgery or electrosurgery; primary indication for 17000. |
D23.9 | Other benign neoplasm of skin, unspecified | Represents benign skin lesions that may be candidates for destructive procedures when clinically indicated. |
L82.1 | Other seborrheic keratosis | Benign epidermal lesion sometimes treated with destructive methods for symptomatic or cosmetic reasons. |
L85.8 | Other specified epidermal thickening | Describes localized epidermal disorders that may be treated with destruction when indicated. |
L91.8 | Other hypertrophic disorders of the skin | Includes hypertrophic lesions that, if premalignant or symptomatic, may be addressed with destructive techniques. |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
17003 | Destruction (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), all benign or premalignant lesions; second through 14 lesions, each | Billed in addition to 17000 for the second through 14th lesions when multiple premalignant lesions are destroyed during the same session. |
17004 | Destruction (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), all benign or premalignant lesions; 15 or more lesions | Used when 15 or more premalignant lesions are destroyed in the same session; replaces multiple 17003 units per payer policy. |