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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesDestruction Procedures on Malignant Lesions of the Integumentary SystemCPT cpt-17284-destruction-malignant-lesion-face-3-1-to-4-0-cm
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    CPT 17284: Destruction of Malignant Lesion, 3.1–4.0 cm

    Medicare pays $281 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 17284 reports destruction of a malignant lesion on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane using methods such as chemosurgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or other destructive techniques for a lesion measuring 3.1 cm to 4.0 cm in diameter; the service type is destruction of malignant lesion and the typical site of service is outpatient dermatologic or procedural setting including clinic, ambulatory surgical center, or hospital outpatient department.

    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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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 68-year-old patient presents to a dermatology clinic with a biopsy-confirmed malignant cutaneous lesion located on the left cheek measuring approximately 3.5 cm in greatest diameter. After discussion of treatment options, the dermatologic surgeon schedules a destruction procedure using electrosurgery in the outpatient dermatology procedure suite. The clinical workflow includes pre-procedure evaluation (history, medication review, anticoagulation assessment), informed consent, local anesthesia administration, lesion mapping and measurement, lesion destruction using the selected modality (e.g., electrosurgery, cryosurgery, or chemosurgery), hemostasis and wound care, and brief post-procedure observation with discharge instructions. Documentation includes lesion location, exact measurement (3.1–4.0 cm to meet 17284), malignancy confirmation or strong clinical suspicion, method of destruction, anesthesia used, any complications, and follow-up plan for surveillance or further oncologic care if indicated.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    17286Destruction, malignant lesion, trunk, arms, legs; lesion(s) greater than 4.0 cmUsed when lesion size exceeds the 17284 size range; alternative code for larger lesions on other body sites.
    17260Destruction, premalignant lesions (e.g., actinic keratoses), up to 14 lesionsPerformed when multiple superficial premalignant lesions are treated in the same session; different code set for premalignant conditions.
    17000Destruction of premalignant lesions, up to 14 lesionsSimilar to 17260 but used for non-malignant, premalignant lesion destruction; not appropriate for confirmed malignancy.
    11600Excision, malignant lesion including margins, trunk, arms, legs; lesion 0.5 cm or lessExcisional codes are used when surgical excision with margins is performed instead of destructive techniques; may be performed after biopsy.
    11102Tangential biopsy of skin (shave), single lesionDiagnostic procedure commonly performed prior to selecting a destruction approach; provides histologic confirmation.
    10060Incision and drainage of skin abscess; simple or singleOccasionally required if postoperative infection develops; represents potential subsequent procedure.

    Related Modifiers

    11 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    23Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    51Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    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…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    Showing 1–10 of 11

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    207N00000XDermatology PhysicianA dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat pediatric and adult patients with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, mouth, external genital…
    207P00000XEmergency Medicine PhysicianAn emergency physician focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospit…
    208D00000XGeneral Practice PhysicianA physician who specializes in the general practice of diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with a variety of illnesses and conditions.
    363L00000XNurse Practitioner(1) A registered nurse provider with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice involving independent and interdependent decision mak…
    207V00000XObstetrics & Gynecology PhysicianAn obstetrician/gynecologist possesses special knowledge, skills and professional capability in the medical and surgical care of the female reproducti…
    156FC0801XContact Lens FitterAn optician or other ancillary support staff person who, where authorized by state law and trained or certified to do so, may fit or dispense contact …
    2080P0008XPediatric Neurodevelopmental Disabilities PhysicianA pediatrician who specializes in the treatment of individuals with developmental delays and learning disorders associated with cerebral palsy, spina …
    372500000XChore ProviderAn individual who provides home maintenance services required to sustain a safe, sanitary living environment for individuals who because of age or dis…

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Dermatology1 / 3

    5 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
    Winlevi (clascoterone 1% cream) — Topical AcneCigna2026-08-01

    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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