CPT® Code 11400

Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), trunk, arms or legs; excised diameter 0.5 cm or less

The CPT® Code 11400 refers to the excision of a benign lesion, which is a non-cancerous growth, from the trunk, arms, or legs, with an excised diameter of 0.5 cm or less. This procedure is performed to remove lesions that are not skin tags, which are specifically excluded from this coding. Common types of benign lesions that may be excised include lipomas, dermatofibromas, pyogenic granulomas, epidermoid cysts, and benign nevi. The excision process involves several steps, beginning with the cleansing of the area and the administration of a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort. A narrow margin of healthy tissue surrounding the lesion is identified to ensure complete removal and minimize the risk of recurrence. A full-thickness incision is then made through the dermis, encircling the lesion to excise it completely. After excision, the lesion is typically sent to a laboratory for histologic evaluation, which is separately reportable. To control any bleeding that may occur during the procedure, electrocautery or chemical cautery is employed. The surgical wound may be closed using a simple single-layer suture technique, although more complex closure methods such as intermediate (layer) closure, complex repair, skin grafts, or pedicle flaps may also be utilized depending on the specific circumstances of the excision. This code is specifically designated for lesions with an excised diameter of 0.5 cm or less, with additional codes available for larger excisions, ensuring precise coding and billing for the procedure performed.