CPT 11308Surgery

Shave skin lesion >2.0 cm

CPT code 11308 covers the removal of a skin lesion larger than 2.0 centimeters using a shaving technique, where the doctor uses a blade to cut the lesion horizontally from the skin surface without deep excision.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$139.09

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

1.46

PE RVU (NF)

2.71

MP RVU

0.13

Total RVU

4.3

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Measure and document exact lesion size before anesthesia and tissue swelling occur, recording diameter in centimeters in the operative note
Impact: Prevents $72.46 revenue loss from downcoding to 11307 (1.1-2.0 cm) which pays only $66.63 facility/$139.09 non-facility versus current code
Bill in non-facility setting when possible, as the practice receives the full non-facility rate of $139.09 versus $66.63 facility rate
Impact: $72.46 higher reimbursement per procedure (109% increase) when performed in office versus hospital outpatient
Submit pathology report with claim when lesion size is borderline (2.0-2.2 cm) to substantiate code selection
Impact: Reduces audit risk and supports medical necessity; prevents retroactive recoupment averaging $100-$200 per claim in audits
Use modifier 25 appropriately when E/M is truly separate and document the distinct evaluation apart from the procedure decision
Impact: Captures additional $75-$150 for E/M service (99213-99214) that would otherwise be denied as bundled
Bill each lesion separately when multiple lesions are shaved, ensuring each meets size threshold for 11308
Impact: Allows payment for each distinct lesion; bundling multiple into one code sacrifices $66.63-$139.09 per additional lesion
Verify that specimen is sent to pathology with separate labeling for each lesion when billing multiple units
Impact: Pathology documentation supports medical necessity and prevents denial for lack of evidence of distinct lesions

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 11308 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average payment for CPT 11308 is $139.09 in non-facility settings and $66.63 in facility settings, based on the CMS Physician Fee Schedule with a conversion factor of 32.3465 and total RVU of 4.3.

How many RVUs is CPT code 11308 worth?

CPT 11308 has a total RVU value of 4.3, consisting of 1.46 work RVU, 2.71 non-facility practice expense RVU (0.47 facility PE RVU), and 0.13 malpractice RVU.

What size lesion qualifies for CPT code 11308 versus 11307?

CPT 11308 is used for shave removal of lesions greater than 2.0 cm in diameter, while 11307 covers lesions 1.1 to 2.0 cm. The exact size must be measured and documented before anesthesia administration to justify code selection.

Can you bill an E/M code with CPT 11308 on the same day?

Yes, you can bill an E/M service with CPT 11308 on the same day using modifier 25, but only if the E/M represents a significant, separately identifiable service beyond the decision for the shave removal procedure. The E/M documentation must support a distinct evaluation.

How do you bill for multiple shave removals over 2.0 cm on the same day?

Bill CPT 11308 for each lesion separately, using modifier 59 or 76 on the second and subsequent lesions to indicate distinct procedures. Document each lesion's size and location separately, and ensure each specimen is sent to pathology with individual labeling.

Does CPT 11308 require pathology to be submitted for payment?

While Medicare does not universally require pathology submission for payment of 11308, sending specimens to pathology is standard of care for lesions requiring shave removal and provides critical documentation for medical necessity and size verification during audits.

What is the global period for CPT code 11308?

CPT 11308 has a 10-day global period, meaning routine follow-up care within 10 days post-procedure is included in the payment and should not be separately billed. Unrelated services during this period require modifier 79, and complications requiring return to OR require modifier 78.