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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesDestruction Procedures on Malignant Lesions of the Integumentary SystemCPT cpt-17281-destruction-malignant-lesion-face-0-6-to-1-0-cm
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    CPT 17281: Destruction of Malignant Lesion on Face 0.6–1.0 cm

    Medicare pays $181 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 17281 describes destruction of a malignant lesion on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane using techniques such as chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or other destructive methods for a lesion measuring 0.6 cm to 1.0 cm in diameter; the service type is lesion destruction and the typical site of service is ambulatory surgery centers, dermatology or surgical procedure rooms, and outpatient clinics.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverage, Topical Acne-Non-Retinoid Products, Dermatology - Vtama Drug Quantity Management Policy - Per Days.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 68-year-old patient presents to a dermatology clinic with a biopsy-proven malignant skin lesion on the lateral nose measuring approximately 0.8 cm in greatest diameter. The provider reviews prior pathology confirming a basal cell carcinoma, documents lesion size, location on the face, informed consent, and treatment options. The clinical workflow includes pre-procedure vital signs and medication reconciliation, local anesthetic administration, lesion destruction using cryosurgery or electrosurgery, hemostasis, and application of topical antibiotic and dressing. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient ambulatory surgical center or office-based dermatology setting under local anesthesia. Post-procedure instructions and follow-up for wound care and surveillance are documented. Billing uses 17281 to report destruction of a single malignant lesion on the face between 0.6 cm and 1.0 cm in diameter, with anatomic site, lesion size, and technique documented in the record.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    17000Destruction (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), first lesionPerformed for benign lesions or when billing multiple superficial lesion destructions; not for malignant lesions billed with 17281.
    11720Debridement of nail(s) by partial or complete surgical removal, simple; singleMay be unrelated; occasionally used when concurrent nail procedures are performed in the same session if documented.
    11102Tangential biopsy of skin (shave), single lesionPerformed prior to definitive destructive therapy to obtain tissue diagnosis supporting use of 17281.
    99024Postoperative follow-up visit, included in global periodUsed to indicate routine follow-up care is included in global surgical billing when applicable.
    99070Supplies and materials (eg, bandages, sterile dressings), used during the procedure, when not included in the basic procedureBilled when billable supplies are provided and not included in 17281 reimbursement.

    Related Modifiers

    5 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    25CPT modifier 25 indicates that on the same day as another procedure or service, the same physician or other qualified health care professional provided a significant, separately identifiable…- When to apply: Use modifier 25 only on an E/M code to indicate the same provider delivered a significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as another procedure or service — i.e.,…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    63Modifier‑63 is appended to surgical CPT codes (20000–69990) when a procedure is performed on a neonate or infant weighing ≤ 4 kg (about 8.8 lbs). The AMA/AAPC definition specifies this use and notes…- Use modifier -63 only for surgical procedures in the CPT 20000–69990 series performed on a neonate or infant who weighs ≤ 4 kg at the time of the procedure; it indicates increased complexity due to…
    P1Modifier P1 indicates an ASA Physical Status I — a normal healthy patient — and is appended to anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) based on the anesthesiologist’s clinical assessment. It documents the…- When to apply: Use modifier P1 on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when the anesthesia provider assigns ASA Physical Status I — a normal healthy patient (non‑smoker, minimal or no alcohol use).…
    47Modifier -47 (“Anesthesia by Surgeon”) is appended to a surgical or procedural CPT code when the surgeon personally provides regional or general anesthesia for the procedure. Use of -47 indicates the…- Use modifier -47 when the surgeon personally provides regional or general anesthesia during the surgical procedure (i.e., the surgeon administers the anesthesia in addition to performing the…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    261QA0600XAdult Day Care Clinic/CenterAmbulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center
    1835E0208XEmergency Medicine PharmacistA licensed pharmacist who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in the care for patients at the bedside in emergency medicine settings.
    2278C0205XCritical Care Certified Respiratory TherapistRespiratory emergencies are commonplace in the treatment of critical care patients. Included in the assessment measurements conducted by the respirat…
    251C00000XDevelopmentally Disabled Services Day Training AgencyThese agencies are authorized to provide day habilitation services to developmentally disabled individuals who live in their homes. The function of d…
    208U00000XClinical Pharmacology PhysicianClinical pharmacology encompasses the spectrum of activities related to the discovery, development, regulation, and utilization of safe and effective …
    2251E1300XClinical Electrophysiology Physical TherapistA licensed physical therapist, including but not limited to an individual who is a Board Certified Specialist in Clinical Electrophysiologic Physical …
    207WX0109XNeuro-ophthalmology PhysicianA neuro-ophthalmologist is a subspecialist of ophthalmology. This physician evaluates, treats, and studies disorders of the eye, orbit and nervous sy…
    246Z00000XOther Specialist/TechnologistGeneral classification identifying individuals trained on specific equipment and technical procedures in one of a collection of miscellaneous healthca…

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Dermatology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverageOscar Health2026-10-01
    Topical Acne-Non-Retinoid ProductsCigna2026-08-15
    Dermatology - Vtama Drug Quantity Management Policy - Per DaysCigna2026-08-15
    Medical Necessity Guidelines: Acne and Rosacea Medicationsharvard pilgrim health care2026-08-11
    Pharmacologic Treatment of PsoriasisPremera Bluecross2026-08-01
    Winlevi (clascoterone 1% cream) — Topical AcneCigna2026-08-01
    Spevigo (spesolimab‑sbzo) for generalized pustular psoriasisUnitedHealthcare2026-08-01
    Onychomycosis Testingblue cross blue shield - louisiana2026-08-01
    Spesolimab-sbzo (Spevigoblue cross blue shield - tennessee2026-07-31
    Home ultraviolet light therapy equipment for skin conditionsselect_health2026-07-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-17260-MALIGNANT-LESION-DESTRUCTION-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS-05CM

    CPT 17260: Destruction of Malignant Lesion on Trunk/Arms/Legs ≤0.5 cm

    CPT-17261-DESTRUCTION-MALIGNANT-LESION-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS-06-10-CM

    CPT 17261: Destruction of Malignant Lesion, Trunk/Arms/Legs 0.6–1.0 cm

    CPT-17262-DESTRUCTION-MALIGNANT-LESION-1-1-TO-2-0-CM-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS

    CPT 17262: Destruction of Malignant Lesion, Trunk/Arms/Legs 1.1–2.0 cm

    CPT-17263-DESTRUCTION-MALIGNANT-LESION-2-1-3-0-CM-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS

    CPT 17263: Destruction of Malignant Lesion on Trunk/Arms/Legs (2.1–3.0 cm)

    CPT-17264-DESTRUCTION-MALIGNANT-LESION-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS-3CM-4CM

    CPT 17264: Destruction of Malignant Lesion on Trunk/Arms/Legs 3.1–4.0 cm

    CPT-17266-DESTRUCTION-MALIGNANT-LESION-TRUNK-ARMS-LEGS-GT4CM

    CPT 17266: Destruction of Malignant Lesion on Trunk/Arms/Legs (>4.0 cm)

    CPT-17270-DESTRUCTION-MALIGNANT-LESION-05-CM-OR-LESS

    CPT 17270: Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion ≤0.5 cm

    CPT-17271-DESTRUCTION-MALIGNANT-SKIN-LESION-0-6-1-0-CM

    CPT 17271: Destruction of Malignant Lesion 0.6–1.0 cm

    CPT-17272-DESTRUCTION-MALIGNANT-LESION-1-1-TO-2-0-CM

    CPT 17272: Destruction of Malignant Lesion 1.1–2.0 cm

    CPT-17273-DESTRUCTION-MALIGNANT-LESION-2-1-TO-3-0-CM-SCALP-NECK-HANDS-FEET-GENITALIA

    CPT 17273: Destruction of Malignant Skin Lesion 2.1–3.0 cm

    Showing 1–10 of 17

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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