CPT 11302Surgery

Shave skin lesion 1.1-2.0 cm

CPT code 11302 is used when a healthcare provider removes a skin growth or lesion by shaving it off the skin surface when the lesion measures between 1.1 and 2.0 centimeters in diameter (about the size of a dime to a nickel).

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$131.65

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

1.05

PE RVU (NF)

2.9

MP RVU

0.12

Total RVU

4.07

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Measure and document lesion size before removal, not after specimen is obtained
Impact: Post-removal specimens shrink by 20-30%; measuring after removal can result in downcoding from 11302 to 11301, losing approximately $40 in reimbursement
Verify facility vs non-facility status before billing to use correct expected reimbursement rate
Impact: Non-facility rate is $131.65 vs facility rate of $57.90—a difference of $73.75 that affects practice revenue projections and fee schedule negotiations
Document separate lesions with distinct anatomic locations when billing multiple units on same day
Impact: Multiple procedure reduction rules apply; second and subsequent lesions typically reimbursed at 50%, so clear documentation prevents denials and supports full allowable payment
Use specific ICD-10 codes for lesion type and location rather than generic 'skin lesion' codes
Impact: Specific diagnosis coding (e.g., D22.5 for nevus of trunk vs L82.1 for other seborrheic keratosis) reduces medical necessity denials by 40-60% and supports pathology correlation
Submit pathology report with claims when medical necessity is questioned or for preauthorization
Impact: Proactive submission of pathology findings can prevent denials and expedite payment, especially for larger lesions that approach size thresholds
Bill based on largest lesion diameter, not thickness or depth, and document measurement in two dimensions when possible
Impact: Two-dimensional documentation (1.5 cm x 1.8 cm) supports using the largest measurement for code selection and provides audit defense if size is questioned

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 11302 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 11302 is $131.65 for non-facility settings and $57.90 for facility settings. Actual payment may vary based on geographic location and MAC-specific adjustments.

How do I choose between CPT 11301, 11302, and 11303 for shave removal?

Code selection is based solely on the lesion diameter measured before removal: 11301 for 0.6-1.0 cm, 11302 for 1.1-2.0 cm, and 11303 for lesions over 2.0 cm. Always measure at the widest point before removing the lesion, as specimens shrink after removal.

Can I bill an E/M visit with CPT 11302 on the same day?

Yes, you can bill an E/M service with modifier 25 on the same day as 11302 if the E/M represents a significant, separately identifiable service beyond the usual pre-procedure evaluation. Documentation must clearly show the E/M addressed distinct concerns or required substantial additional work.

What is the work RVU for CPT code 11302?

CPT 11302 has a work RVU of 1.05, practice expense RVU of 2.9 (non-facility) or 0.62 (facility), and malpractice RVU of 0.12, for a total non-facility RVU of 4.07 in 2025.

Does CPT 11302 include pathology examination?

No, CPT 11302 covers only the shave removal procedure. Pathology examination must be billed separately using appropriate pathology CPT codes (typically 88305 for surgical pathology, level IV) by the pathologist or laboratory performing the examination.

How many times can I bill CPT 11302 on the same day?

You can bill 11302 multiple times on the same day for separate lesions, but multiple procedure payment reduction rules apply—the second and subsequent procedures are typically reimbursed at 50%. Each lesion must be distinctly documented with separate anatomic locations and measurements.

What diagnosis codes are typically used with CPT 11302?

Common diagnosis codes include D22.x (benign melanocytic nevi by site), L82.1 (other seborrheic keratosis), D23.x (other benign skin neoplasms by site), L57.0 (actinic keratosis), and L91.0 (hypertrophic scar). The specific code should match the clinical appearance and location, with pathology confirmation following removal.