Summary & Overview
CPT 27618: Excision of Subcutaneous Tumor (<3 cm)
CPT code 27618 identifies the surgical excision of a subcutaneous tumor smaller than 3 cm, removed without significant excision of surrounding normal tissue. This code is used for minor soft-tissue tumor removals located just beneath the skin and is relevant across surgical specialties that manage cutaneous and subcutaneous masses. It matters nationally because accurate coding affects claims adjudication, clinical documentation, and consistency in measuring outpatient surgical activity for small tumor excisions.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, and common billing considerations. The publication outlines benchmark metrics where available, explains common payer coverage patterns, and highlights documentation elements that support appropriate use of the code. Data not available in the input is clearly noted where applicable.
This summary equips billing managers, surgical clinicians, and policy analysts with a clear understanding of when CPT code 27618 is applicable, how it fits into outpatient surgical workflows, and what topics to review when validating claims and monitoring utilization nationally.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 27618 describes the excision of a subcutaneous tumor measuring less than 3 cm in diameter. The procedure involves removal of the lesion located just beneath the skin without removal of a significant amount of surrounding normal tissue.
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Service type: Minor soft-tissue tumor excision
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or outpatient surgical suite
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult presenting to an outpatient dermatology or general surgery clinic with a small, palpable subcutaneous mass consistent with a benign soft tissue tumor (for example, a lipoma or epidermal inclusion cyst) measuring under 3 cm in greatest diameter. The patient has localized symptoms such as a painless mobile lump, cosmetic concern, or intermittent discomfort with activity. Pre-procedure workflow includes a focused history and physical exam, measurement and documentation of lesion size and location (commonly on the trunk, neck, or extremities), and verification of medical comorbidities and medications (anticoagulants, diabetes, allergy history). Imaging is rarely required for lesions <3 cm but may include targeted ultrasound if there is diagnostic uncertainty.
The procedure is performed in an ambulatory surgery center, outpatient clinic procedure room, or office-based minor procedure suite under local anesthesia with or without sedation. The provider prepares the field, administers local anesthetic, makes a small incision, and excises the tumor with minimal removal of surrounding normal tissue. Hemostasis is achieved, the specimen is sent for pathology when indicated, and the incision is closed with sutures or adhesive. Post-procedure care includes wound care instructions, pain control, and pathology follow-up if submitted.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
25 | Data not available in the input. | Data not available in the input. |