CPT® Code 11442

Excision, other benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane; excised diameter 1.1 to 2.0 cm

The CPT® Code 11442 refers to the excision of a benign lesion, excluding skin tags, located on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes. This procedure involves the removal of the lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete excision and minimize the risk of recurrence. 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 ensure patient comfort. A careful identification of a narrow margin of healthy tissue surrounding the lesion is performed, followed by a full-thickness incision through the dermis. The incision is made around the lesion, allowing for the complete removal of the lesion and the surrounding tissue. After excision, the specimen is 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 techniques are employed. The surgical wound may be closed using a simple single-layer suture technique; however, 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 and the size of the wound. This code is specifically designated for lesions with an excised diameter ranging from 1.1 to 2.0 cm, and it is important to select the appropriate code based on the size of the lesion excised, as indicated by the provided coding guidelines.