CPT® Code 11440

Excision, other benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane; excised diameter 0.5 cm or less

The CPT® Code 11440 refers to the excision of a benign lesion, which is defined as a non-cancerous growth, from specific areas of the body including the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes. This procedure is performed on lesions that have an excised diameter of 0.5 cm or less, excluding skin tags unless they are categorized elsewhere. Common types of benign lesions that may be excised under this code include lipomas, which are fatty tumors; dermatofibromas, which are fibrous skin growths; pyogenic granulomas, which are small, red, and often bleed easily; epidermoid cysts, which are small lumps beneath the skin; and benign nevi, commonly known as moles. During the procedure, the area surrounding the lesion is first cleansed, and a local anesthetic is administered to minimize discomfort. A careful identification of a narrow margin of healthy tissue surrounding the lesion is crucial, as this ensures complete removal of the lesion while preserving surrounding healthy skin. A full-thickness incision is then made through the dermis, encircling the lesion to excise it entirely. The excised lesion is typically sent to a laboratory for histologic evaluation, which is a separate reportable service. To manage any bleeding that may occur during the procedure, electrocautery or chemical cautery techniques are employed. After the excision, 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. 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.