CPT® Code 11420

Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; excised diameter 0.5 cm or less

The CPT® Code 11420 refers to the excision of a benign lesion, which is a non-cancerous growth, from specific areas of the body including the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia. This procedure involves the removal of the lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it, ensuring that the excised area is 0.5 cm or less in diameter. Common types of benign lesions that may be excised using this code include lipomas, dermatofibromas, pyogenic granulomas, epidermoid cysts, and benign nevi. The procedure begins with the cleansing of the area and the administration of a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. A full-thickness incision is made through the dermis, encircling the lesion to completely remove it. The excised lesion is then sent to a laboratory for histologic evaluation, which is separately reportable. To manage any bleeding during the procedure, electrocautery or chemical cautery techniques are employed. After the lesion is excised, 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. It is important to use the appropriate CPT® codes for different excision diameters, with 11420 specifically designated for lesions measuring 0.5 cm or less.