CPT® Code 17276

Destruction, malignant lesion (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitalia; lesion diameter over 4.0 cm

The CPT® Code 17276 refers to the destruction of malignant lesions located on specific areas of the body, including the scalp, neck, hands, feet, and genitalia, where the diameter of the lesion exceeds 4.0 cm. Malignant lesions of the skin can include various types of cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. The procedure begins with a thorough examination of the lesion to determine the most suitable method of destruction. Depending on the patient's needs, a local anesthetic may be administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Various techniques can be employed for the destruction of the lesion, including cryosurgery, which utilizes liquid nitrogen to freeze the lesion through a series of freeze-thaw cycles. Alternatively, surgical curettage may be performed, often followed by electrosurgery to ensure complete removal of the malignant tissue. In cases where multiple lesions are present, treatment may involve the application of chemical or pharmacologic agents, or the use of laser resurfacing techniques, such as those employing a carbon dioxide laser. It is important to note that during the destruction process, the physician not only targets the malignant lesion but also removes a surrounding border of normal tissue to ensure complete excision and reduce the risk of recurrence. For coding purposes, it is essential to differentiate this procedure from others based on the size of the lesion, with specific codes assigned for lesions of varying diameters, such as 17270 for lesions less than 0.5 cm, 17271 for lesions measuring 0.6-1.0 cm, 17272 for lesions 1.1-2.0 cm, 17273 for lesions 2.1-3.0 cm, and 17274 for lesions 3.1-4.0 cm.