Summary & Overview
CPT 17272: Destruction of Malignant Cutaneous Lesion, 1.1–2.0 cm
CPT code 17272 represents the destruction of a malignant cutaneous lesion measuring 1.1 cm to 2.0 cm in diameter using methods such as chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or other destructive techniques. This code is used nationally for billing ambulatory procedures performed on anatomically sensitive or functional areas including the scalp, neck, hands, feet, and genitalia. Accurate use of this code affects clinical documentation, procedural coding consistency, and payment for dermatologic and minor surgical services.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication provides benchmarks on utilization and allowed amounts where available, highlights relevant policy and coverage updates affecting lesion destruction services, and summarizes the clinical context for lesion size and anatomic site that drive code selection.
Readers will learn how CPT code 17272 is defined and applied in ambulatory and outpatient settings, common coding considerations tied to lesion size and location, and what payers typically evaluate when adjudicating claims for malignant lesion destruction. The summary includes national-level insights into coding practice and policy trends that influence reimbursement and documentation standards. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 17272 describes destruction of a malignant lesion measuring 1.1 cm to 2.0 cm in diameter using techniques such as chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or other destructive methods. The procedure applies to lesions located on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia.
Service type: Destruction of malignant cutaneous lesion
Typical site of service: Outpatient clinic, dermatology office, ambulatory surgical center, or similar ambulatory setting
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 68-year-old male presents to the dermatology clinic with a biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinoma on the dorsal hand. The lesion measures approximately 1.4 cm in greatest diameter and is confined to the skin without deep tissue invasion. After discussion of treatment options, the dermatologist elects to perform destructive therapy using electrosurgery in the procedure room. The patient is positioned on the exam table, the area is cleaned and locally anesthetized with a field block, and appropriate sterile draping is applied. The provider destroys the malignant lesion with electrosurgical fulguration and curettage, ensuring complete coverage of the 1.1–2.0 cm diameter lesion. Hemostasis is achieved and a protective dressing is applied. The clinical workflow includes pre-procedure consent and documentation of lesion size, location (hand), histologic confirmation of malignancy, technique used (electrosurgery), anesthesia administered, and post-procedure wound care instructions. Billing is submitted under 17272 with any applicable modifiers (for example 59 if a distinct procedural service was performed on the same day) and the appropriate ICD-10 diagnosis code for cutaneous malignancy.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
59 | Distinct Procedural Service | Use when this destructive procedure is distinct from other services performed on the same day (different lesion/site) to indicate separate reporting. |
52 | Reduced Services | Use if the procedure was partially reduced or not completed as originally planned. |
53 | Discontinued Procedure | Use if the procedure was started but discontinued due to extenuating circumstances or patient condition. |
76 | Repeat Procedure by Same Physician | Use when the same physician repeats the procedure subsequent to one performed earlier the same day. |
77 | Repeat Procedure by Another Physician | Use when a different physician repeats the procedure the same day. |
24 | Unrelated E/M Service by Same Physician During Postoperative Period | Use when an unrelated evaluation and management service is provided during the global period. |
25 | Significant, Separately Identifiable E/M Service | Use if a significant, separately identifiable E/M service was provided on the same day as the procedure. |
26 | Professional Component | Use if reporting only the professional component of a service (rare for simple destructive lesion procedures). |
22 | Increased Procedural Service | Use when work required to perform the procedure is substantially greater than typically required. |
52 | Reduced Services | Use when the procedure is partially reduced or not performed to the full extent (duplicate entry avoided when already listed). |
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
207R00000X | Dermatology | Dermatologists commonly perform destructive treatments for cutaneous malignancies. |
207L00000X | Dermatopathology | Dermatopathologists provide histologic diagnosis guiding need for destructive therapy. |
2084P0800X | Surgical Oncology | Surgical oncologists may perform or advise on management of cutaneous malignancies, especially on hands/feet/genitalia. |
2086S0105X | General Surgery | General surgeons may treat skin cancers at certain anatomic sites when operative management is required. |
207K00000X | Mohs Micrographic Surgery (Dermatologic Surgery) | Dermatologic surgeons performing procedures on complex or cosmetically sensitive sites; may perform alternative excisions rather than destruction. |
Related Diagnoses
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
C44.321 | Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of right forearm | Common cutaneous malignancy treated with destructive methods when appropriate. |
C44.322 | Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of left forearm | Mirrors right-sided code for contralateral lesions; relevant when laterality is specified. |
C44.119 | Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of other part of face | Facial cutaneous malignancies may be treated with destruction depending on size and depth; note anatomic limitations. |
C44.329 | Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of unspecified forearm | Used when laterality not specified in documentation. |
C44.512 | Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of right hand | Directly relevant to lesions on the hands, a listed anatomic site for 17272. |
C40.0 | Malignant neoplasm of shoulder | Included when lesion involves proximal upper extremity structures where coding may vary. |
D04.9 | Carcinoma in situ of skin, unspecified | In situ lesions are sometimes treated with destructive modalities depending on clinical judgment and pathology. |
C44.699 | Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of other site | Catch-all for malignant skin lesions on less common sites listed in the CPT description (scalp, neck, feet, genitalia). |
Related CPT Codes
| CPT Code | Description | Relationship to This Procedure |
|---|---|---|
17000 | Destruction (e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), first lesion | Used for benign lesions or non-malignant cutaneous lesions; may be reported when malignant pathology is not present. |
17003 | Destruction, each additional lesion (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | Used when multiple benign lesions are treated in the same session; relevant if multiple malignant lesions of appropriate size are destroyed (check payer rules). |
11400 | Excision, benign lesion including margins, 0.5 cm or less | Alternative to destructive methods when excision with pathology is preferred; used for lesions requiring removal with histologic margins. |
11600 | Excision, malignant lesion including margins, trunk, arms or legs; lesion diameter 0.5 cm or less | Related excision code set for malignant lesions when surgical excision is chosen instead of destructive therapy; larger sizes have corresponding codes. |
99024 | Postoperative follow-up visit, global service | Used for routine postoperative follow-up related to the procedure when applicable. |
99070 | Supplies and materials (e.g., bandages, dressing, and other supplies) | Used to report supplies used during the procedure when not included in the base procedure allowance and accepted by the payer. |