Question

The 55-year-old patient presents with 1 cm lesion in his right ear canal posterior to the tragus. The lesion is red and raised, typical of basal cell carcinoma. After administration of lidocaine, I performed a shave biopsy. Electrocautery was required to control bleeding. The tissue sample was sent to pathology. What CPT® code is reported for this procedure?

Answer 1

The CPT® code reported for the procedure described is 11310. This code is specifically used for shave removal of a lesion measuring 0.6 to 1.0 cm. The procedure involves removing the lesion using a sharp blade or scalpel, with electrocautery used to control bleeding if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The CPT® code reported for the procedure described is 11310.

The provided scenario describes a patient with a 1 cm lesion in the right ear canal that is red and raised, consistent with basal cell carcinoma. The physician performed a shave biopsy, which involves removing the lesion using a sharp blade or scalpel. In this case, electrocautery was required to control bleeding.

The CPT® code 11310 is specifically used for shave removal of a lesion, such as a neoplasm or tumor, measuring 0.6 to 1.0 cm.