CPT code 17380 identifies electrosurgical hair removal using short wave diathermy to destroy and remove unwanted hair and prevent regrowth. Nationally, this code captures a commonly performed dermatologic cosmetic and medical procedure with implications for coverage policy, coding accuracy, and appropriate site-of-service billing. Accurate reporting of 17380 matters for consistent claims adjudication and proper separation of cosmetic versus medically necessary services.

Key payers in this coverage analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication reviews payer coverage patterns, common billing and documentation issues, and clinical context differentiating cosmetic from medically indicated hair removal.

Readers will learn the clinical definition and typical settings for the procedure, common payer coverage themes and variations, documentation elements that support medical necessity, and how 17380 relates to other dermatologic procedure coding. The report also highlights typical modifiers used with similar services and notes when additional procedure codes or site-of-service considerations may apply. Data not available in the input is identified where relevant.