CPT® Code 11422

Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; excised diameter 1.1 to 2.0 cm

The CPT® Code 11422 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 is performed on lesions that are not classified as skin tags, and it involves the removal of the lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. The excised diameter of the lesion must be between 1.1 to 2.0 centimeters. Common types of benign lesions that may be excised using this code include lipomas, which are fatty tumors; dermatofibromas, which are fibrous skin growths; pyogenic granulomas, which are small, red, and raised lesions; epidermoid cysts, which are small lumps beneath the skin; and benign nevi, commonly known as moles. During the procedure, the area is first cleansed to reduce the risk of infection, and a local anesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort. A careful identification of a narrow margin of healthy tissue around the lesion is crucial, as this helps to ensure complete removal of the lesion and minimizes the risk of recurrence. A full-thickness incision is then made through the dermis, which is the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis. The incision is made around the lesion, allowing for the complete excision of the growth. After excision, the lesion is typically sent to a laboratory for histologic evaluation, which is a separate reportable service that assesses the tissue for any abnormalities. To control any bleeding that may occur during the procedure, electrocautery or chemical cautery techniques are employed. Once the lesion is excised, the surgical wound may be closed using a simple single-layer suture technique. However, depending on the complexity of the wound, other closure methods such as intermediate (layer) closure, complex repair, skin grafts, or pedicle flaps may also be utilized. It is important to note that this code is part of a series of excision codes that correspond to different excised diameters, with specific codes designated for smaller or larger lesions.