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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesExcision Procedures on the Back and FlankCPT cpt-21925-deep-soft-tissue-biopsy-back-flank
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    CPT 21925: Deep Soft Tissue Biopsy of Back or Flank

    Medicare pays $560 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 21925 describes a biopsy of deep soft tissue in the back or flank to obtain a specimen from a palpable or suspicious mass for histologic analysis; service type: deep soft tissue biopsy, typically performed in an operating room, procedure suite, or ambulatory surgical center with local or general anesthesia, and the specimen is submitted for pathologic evaluation to determine presence of malignancy or other abnormal cells.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Destruction of Pre-Malignant Skin Lesions, Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverage, Treatment of Capillary Malformations (Port Wine Stains).

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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 58-year-old patient presents with a firm, deep-seated palpable mass in the posterior flank/back region noted on clinical exam and reported progressive enlargement. Imaging with ultrasound or MRI localizes a suspicious intramuscular or deep subcutaneous lesion measuring 2.5 cm with concerning features for neoplasm. The interventional surgeon or orthopedic/plastic surgeon schedules a deep soft tissue biopsy to obtain diagnostic tissue. In the pre-procedure workflow, informed consent is obtained, targeted imaging localization and marking are performed (ultrasound or CT guidance as indicated), and appropriate labs/coagulation studies are reviewed. Intra-procedure steps include sterile preparation of the back/flank, local anesthesia or conscious sedation as appropriate, image guidance if needed, and obtaining core or excisional deep tissue samples sent in formalin to pathology. Post-procedure care includes hemostasis, wound dressing, monitoring for bleeding or infection, and pathology result follow-up to guide oncologic management if malignancy is identified. Typical sites of service are an outpatient procedure suite, hospital minor procedure room, ambulatory surgery center, or interventional radiology suite. The service type is a diagnostic invasive procedure (deep soft tissue biopsy) to obtain tissue for histopathologic analysis.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    20526Needle core biopsy, soft tissue of back or flank; percutaneousMay be used when a percutaneous image-guided core needle biopsy is performed instead of an open deep tissue biopsy.
    20220Biopsy, muscle, single or multiple, open; superficialUsed for superficial muscle biopsy; contrasts with 21925 which is deep soft tissue biopsy.
    11042Debridement; skin, subcutaneous tissue and fasciaMay be performed if extensive debridement or excision of surrounding infected/necrotic tissue is required during the same session.
    88305Level IV surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examinationTypical pathology CPT for tissue specimens submitted from a biopsy for histopathologic evaluation.
    76942Ultrasound guidance for needle placement (e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection)Used when ultrasound guidance is required to localize and sample the deep lesion during the biopsy.

    (Note: Related CPT codes selected as commonly performed before, during, or after a deep soft tissue biopsy to support localization, specimen processing, or adjunct surgical care.)

    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…
    50Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
    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…
    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…
    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 Code
    208000000X
    208600000X
    207Q00000X
    207P00000X
    207K00000X
    2085B0100X
    261Q00000X
    171400000X

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Dermatology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Destruction of Pre-Malignant Skin LesionsAnthem2026-10-01
    Onychomycosis diagnostic testing and coverageOscar Health2026-10-01
    Treatment of Capillary Malformations (Port Wine Stains)universityofutahhealthplans2026-09-28
    AnzupgoCigna2026-09-15
    Zevaskyn Coverage for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis BullosaCigna2026-09-01
    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
    Dermatology - Anzupgo Prior Authorization PolicyCigna2026-08-05
    Light Therapy for Dermatologic Conditionsbcbsvermont2026-08-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-21920-SUPERFICIAL-SOFT-TISSUE-BIOPSY-BACK-FLANK

    CPT 21920: Superficial Soft Tissue Biopsy of Back or Flank

    CPT-21930-SOFT-TISSUE-MASS-EXCISION-BACK-FLANK-LESS-THAN-3CM

    CPT 21930: Excision of Subcutaneous Soft-Tissue Lesion, Back/Flank (<3 cm)

    CPT-21931-SOFT-TISSUE-EXCISION-BACK-FLANK-3CM-OR-GREATER

    CPT 21931: Excision of Soft Tissue Mass of Back/Flank ≥3 cm

    CPT-21932-SUBFASCIAL-SOFT-TISSUE-TUMOR-EXCISION-BACK-FLANK

    CPT 21932: Subfascial Soft Tissue Tumor Excision, Back/Flank (<5 cm)

    CPT-21933-SUBFASCIAL-SOFT-TISSUE-TUMOR-EXCISION-BACK-FLANK-5CM-PLUS

    CPT 21933: Subfascial Soft Tissue Tumor Excision, Back or Flank (≥5 cm)

    CPT-21935-EXTENSIVE-EXCISION-SOFT-TISSUE-TUMOR-BACK-FLANK-LESS-5CM

    CPT 21935: Extensive Excision of Malignant Soft Tissue Tumor, Back/Flank <5cm

    CPT-21936-EXTENSIVE-EXCISION-SOFT-TISSUE-SARCOMA-BACK-FLANK-5CM

    CPT 21936: Extensive Excision of Large Soft Tissue Malignant Tumor

    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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