CPT® Code 11102

A tangential biopsy of the skin, as described by CPT® Code 11102, is a procedure that involves the removal of a small, raised skin lesion using various techniques such as shave, scoop, saucerization, or curettage. This type of biopsy is particularly useful for excising superficial skin lesions, which may include dermal nevi, non-melanocytic malignant tumors like squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas, as well as inflammatory or bullous skin disorders. During the procedure, a flexible blade or an obliquely oriented curette or scalpel is employed to carefully remove the lesion. The tangential shave biopsy technique specifically targets the superficial layer of the skin, reaching down to the depth of the reticular dermis, while the tangential saucerization biopsy technique extends deeper, removing not only the skin and reticular deep dermis but potentially also subcutaneous fat. Prior to the biopsy, local anesthesia is administered as necessary to minimize discomfort. The shave biopsy technique involves the scalpel blade entering the skin tangentially and sliding beneath the lesion, moving parallel to the skin until it reaches the opposite side. In contrast, the saucerization technique requires the blade to be bent to increase the depth of the excised tissue. Additionally, a sharp curette may be utilized to scrape and smooth the dermis, ensuring the complete removal of any residual lesion. To manage any bleeding that may occur during the procedure, methods such as electrocautery, aluminum chloride, or Monsel’s solution can be applied. Code 11102 specifically reports the removal of a single lesion through this tangential skin biopsy method, while code 11103 is designated for each additional lesion that is removed.