January 31, 2019

Question:
One of the doctors removed 4 skin tags by shave, so she wants to code them as shaves of epidermal lesion codes 11300-11313.  Is that correct?

Answer:
No. The skin tag removal codes 11200-11201 should be reported as they are diagnosis-code specific.  The method of removal is not the driver for the code choice.  CPT guidance on the codes state that removal of skin tags “include scissoring or any sharp method, ….” which would include shave.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 1/31/19.