CPT 17111Surgery

Destruct lesion 15 or more

CPT code 17111 covers the removal or destruction of 15 or more benign or premalignant skin lesions using techniques like freezing, burning, or chemical application. This is typically used for patients with multiple skin growths such as warts, age spots, or precancerous spots.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$129.06

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

0.97

PE RVU (NF)

2.92

MP RVU

0.1

Total RVU

3.99

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Accurately count and document each individual lesion treated; 17111 requires exactly 15 or more lesions to be treated in the same session
Impact: Billing 17111 with fewer than 15 lesions will result in denial; should use 17110 for 14 or fewer lesions at $93.38, a $35.68 difference
Bill in correct setting (facility vs non-facility) as rates differ significantly for 17111
Impact: Non-facility rate is $129.06 vs facility rate of $82.48, a difference of $46.58 per procedure
Do not bill 17111 with 17110 on the same day for the same anatomical area; 17111 is all-inclusive for 15+ lesions
Impact: Bundling violation will result in denial of one code, typically losing $93.38 if 17110 is denied
Document the specific destruction method used (cryotherapy, electrodesiccation, laser, etc.) and treatment of each lesion with anatomical location
Impact: Insufficient documentation is a leading cause of audit recoupment; can result in 100% payment reversal ($129.06 loss)
Use modifier 25 appropriately when performing a separate E/M service, ensuring documentation clearly shows the E/M was significant and separately identifiable
Impact: Proper use can capture additional $50-150 for E/M service; improper use risks entire claim audit
Verify that lesions treated are benign or premalignant; malignant lesions require different CPT codes from the 17260-17286 series
Impact: Using wrong code series can result in denial and recoding to lower-paying codes or complete claim rejection

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 17111 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 17111 is $129.06 in non-facility settings and $82.48 in facility settings. The Work RVU is 0.97, with total RVUs of 3.99 using the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465.

How many lesions are required to bill CPT code 17111?

CPT 17111 requires destruction of exactly 15 or more benign or premalignant lesions in a single treatment session. If fewer than 15 lesions are treated (1-14 lesions), you must use CPT 17110 instead. You cannot bill both codes together for the same session.

Can CPT 17111 be billed with an office visit on the same day?

Yes, CPT 17111 can be billed with an E/M service on the same day if the E/M service is significant and separately identifiable from the decision to perform the lesion destruction. You must append modifier 25 to the E/M code and ensure documentation clearly supports both services.

What is the difference between CPT 17110 and 17111?

CPT 17110 covers destruction of up to 14 benign or premalignant lesions and reimburses at $93.38, while CPT 17111 covers destruction of 15 or more lesions and reimburses at $129.06 (non-facility). The threshold is exactly at 15 lesions, and you cannot bill both codes together for the same treatment session.

What types of lesions can be billed under CPT 17111?

CPT 17111 is used for benign or premalignant lesions only, including actinic keratoses, seborrheic keratoses, common warts, skin tags, and lentigines. Malignant lesions (such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma) require different codes from the 17260-17286 series and cannot be billed using 17111.

Does CPT 17111 require a specific destruction method?

No, CPT 17111 does not mandate a specific destruction method. It covers any method of lesion destruction including cryotherapy (freezing), electrosurgery, laser ablation, chemical application, or surgical curettement. However, you must document the specific method used in the procedure note.

How often can CPT 17111 be billed for the same patient?

There is no specific frequency limitation for CPT 17111, but medical necessity must be documented for each treatment session. Payers may question frequent billing and require justification that new or recurring lesions are being treated. Some commercial payers may have policy limits on frequency, so verify coverage beforehand.