CPT® Code 17311

Mohs micrographic technique, including removal of all gross tumor, surgical excision of tissue specimens, mapping, color coding of specimens, microscopic examination of specimens by the surgeon, and histopathologic preparation including routine stain(s) (eg, hematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue), head, neck, hands, feet, genitalia, or any location with surgery directly involving muscle, cartilage, bone, tendon, major nerves, or vessels; first stage, up to 5 tissue blocks

The Mohs micrographic surgery technique, denoted by CPT® Code 17311, is a specialized surgical procedure designed for the precise removal of complex or ill-defined skin cancers, particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This technique is unique as it allows the physician to perform both the surgical excision of the tumor and the immediate pathological examination of the excised tissue. The procedure is characterized by its meticulous approach, where the surgeon removes the cancerous tissue in thin layers, ensuring that all gross tumor is excised while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. During the Mohs procedure, the excised tissue specimens are subjected to a process of mapping and color coding, which aids in the identification and tracking of any remaining cancer cells. This immediate examination under a microscope allows the surgeon to confirm the complete removal of cancerous cells down to their roots, significantly enhancing the likelihood of a successful outcome and reducing the chances of recurrence. The procedure is applicable to various anatomical locations, including the head, neck, hands, feet, genitalia, and any area where surgery may involve critical structures such as muscle, cartilage, bone, tendon, major nerves, or vessels. The first stage of this procedure, which involves the removal of up to five tissue blocks, is captured under CPT® Code 17311, while subsequent stages are coded separately under CPT® Code 17312. This coding structure reflects the complexity and precision inherent in the Mohs micrographic surgery technique.