How is an excision different from a biopsy?

Answer: If the dermatologist removes a lesion fully, the procedure is called an excision. In cases where he decides to take only a sample to test the pathology of the lesion, he performs a biopsy.

Use CPT® code 11100 (Biopsy of skin, subcutaneous tissue and/or mucous membrane [including simple closure], unless otherwise listed; single lesion) if the dermatologist decides to take a sample for biopsy. Report each additional lesion biopsy with one unit of CPT® code +11101 (Biopsy of skin, subcutaneous tissue and/or mucous membrane [including simple closure], unless otherwise listed; each separate/additional lesion [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]).

To report an excision procedure, consider the size of the lesion, location of the lesion, and nature of the lesion (malignant or benign) to decide the appropriate CPT® code. Report a code from the range 11400-11446 (Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag …….) for benign lesions of the skin. Report the appropriate CPT® code from the range 11600-11646 (Excision, malignant lesion including margins…) for malignant skin lesions.