CPT 17270Surgery

Dstr mal les s/n/h/f/g .5 /<

CPT 17270 is the billing code for destroying a malignant (cancerous) skin lesion on areas like the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitals when the lesion is 0.5 centimeters or smaller, using methods like freezing, burning, or laser.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$146.21

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

1.37

PE RVU (NF)

2.99

MP RVU

0.16

Total RVU

4.52

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Always document lesion diameter in millimeters or centimeters pre-destruction, not post-destruction. The 0.5 cm threshold for 17270 versus 17271 directly impacts reimbursement.
Impact: Incorrect size documentation can result in downcoding to a lower-paying code or upcoding denials. Difference between 17270 and 17271 is $21-$35 per lesion.
Obtain histopathologic confirmation of malignancy before destruction. If destroying clinically suspected but unconfirmed malignant lesions, use benign lesion codes (17000-17004) instead.
Impact: Billing 17270 without pathology confirmation is considered fraud and will result in 100% denial with potential recoupment and investigation. Medicare requires documented pathology report.
Do not bill 17270 for lesions on trunk, arms, or legs - these use code series 17260-17266. Anatomic site determines code family.
Impact: Incorrect anatomic coding results in denial or incorrect payment. 17260 (trunk/arms/legs 0.5cm or less) pays $118.33 non-facility vs. $146.21 for 17270, a $27.88 difference.
When billing multiple lesion destructions, use 17270 for the first lesion on s/n/h/f/g sites and add-on code 17271 for each additional lesion on these sites during the same session.
Impact: Billing multiple units of 17270 instead of 17270 + 17271 will be denied. Proper use of 17271 ensures payment of $113.46 per additional lesion.
Document the destruction method used (cryosurgery, electrosurgery, laser, chemical). Some payers have specific coverage policies for certain destruction modalities for malignant lesions.
Impact: Lack of method documentation can trigger medical review or denial. Some payers require specific techniques for malignant lesions and may deny payment for cryotherapy without medical necessity documentation.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 17270 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 17270 is $146.21 in non-facility settings and $94.45 in facility settings. Actual payment may vary based on geographic location and local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) adjustments.

What is the difference between CPT 17270 and 17260?

CPT 17270 is for destroying malignant lesions 0.5 cm or smaller on the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia, while 17260 is for the same size lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs. The anatomic location determines which code to use, with 17270 reimbursing at a higher rate ($146.21 vs. $118.33 non-facility).

Do I need a biopsy before billing CPT 17270 for lesion destruction?

Yes, CPT 17270 requires histopathologic confirmation of malignancy before destruction. You must have a pathology report documenting a malignant diagnosis. If you destroy a clinically suspected but unconfirmed lesion, you must use benign lesion codes (17000-17004), not malignant lesion codes.

How do I bill for destroying multiple malignant lesions on the same day?

Use CPT 17270 for the first malignant lesion on scalp/neck/hands/feet/genitalia, then add CPT 17271 for each additional lesion on these sites during the same session. Do not bill multiple units of 17270. For lesions on different anatomic regions (e.g., one on hand and one on trunk), use the appropriate code series for each location.

What RVUs are assigned to CPT code 17270?

CPT 17270 has a total RVU of 4.52, comprised of 1.37 work RVU, 2.99 non-facility practice expense RVU (1.39 facility PE RVU), and 0.16 malpractice RVU. These values are from the CMS 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Can I bill an E/M visit and CPT 17270 on the same day?

Yes, but you must append modifier 25 to the E/M code and document that the E/M service was separately identifiable and above and beyond the usual pre- and post-procedure work. The documentation must clearly show medical necessity for the separate E/M service, such as evaluation of other conditions or the decision-making process to perform the destruction.

What size threshold separates CPT 17270 from 17271?

CPT 17270 is for lesions 0.5 cm or smaller in diameter, while 17271 (when used as the primary code) would be for lesions 0.6 to 1.0 cm. However, 17271 is primarily used as an add-on code for additional lesions after the first. Document the exact pre-destruction size in your operative note, as this measurement determines proper code selection and reimbursement level.