Cracking the Code
Coding Excision of a Tumor
- Published on
CPT Assistant indicates that when a lipoma is removed from the deeper subcutaneous layer, or beyond (fascia or muscle) then the appropriate code for removal will be found in the musculoskeletal section of the CPT manual. The index entry would be:
Excision
Tumor
Specific location
If the lipoma were located superficially, the removal of the lipoma would be coded to excision of a benign lesion. The appropriate code would fall into the CPT code range 11400-11446 based on location and size of the lipoma removed.
Q: What is the appropriate CPT code?
A: 21552
Reference: August 2006 CPT Assistant page 10