CPT® Code 17313

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), of the trunk, arms, or legs; first stage, up to 5 tissue blocks

The Mohs micrographic surgery technique, represented by CPT® Code 17313, is a specialized surgical method designed for the precise removal of complex or ill-defined skin cancers. This technique is particularly effective for treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are among the most prevalent forms of skin cancer. In this procedure, the physician assumes dual roles as both the surgeon and the pathologist, allowing for immediate examination of the excised tissue. The process involves the meticulous removal of the tumor in thin layers, which are then subjected to microscopic examination. This immediate analysis is crucial as it enables the surgeon to confirm the complete removal of cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The Mohs technique is characterized by its high success rate in cancer removal, attributed to the detailed mapping and color coding of the excised specimens. Each layer of tissue removed is carefully stained, often using routine stains such as hematoxylin and eosin or toluidine blue, to facilitate the identification of any remaining cancer cells. This systematic approach ensures that the surgeon can accurately track the tumor's extent and ensure complete excision. The specific code 17313 applies to the first stage of this procedure when up to five tissue blocks are removed from the trunk, arms, or legs. Subsequent stages and additional tissue blocks are coded separately, allowing for comprehensive documentation and billing of the entire surgical process.