CPT® Code 11443

Excision, other benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane; excised diameter 2.1 to 3.0 cm

The procedure described by CPT® Code 11443 involves the excision of a benign lesion located on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane, excluding skin tags unless specified otherwise. This excision includes the removal of a margin of normal tissue surrounding the lesion to ensure complete removal and minimize the risk of recurrence. Benign lesions that are commonly excised in this manner 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 is performed, followed by a full-thickness incision through the dermis. The incision is made around the lesion, allowing for the complete excision of the lesion along with the surrounding healthy 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 is utilized. 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 graft, or pedicle flap may also be employed depending on the specific circumstances of the excision. This code is specifically designated for lesions with an excised diameter ranging from 2.1 to 3.0 cm, and it is important to select the appropriate CPT® code based on the size of the excised lesion.