CPT 17311Surgery

Mohs 1 stage h/n/hf/g

CPT 17311 covers the first stage of Mohs micrographic surgery performed on the head, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia to remove skin cancer layer by layer while examining tissue under a microscope during the same session.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$661.16

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

6.2

PE RVU (NF)

13.6

MP RVU

0.64

Total RVU

20.44

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Bill 17311 only once per tumor/lesion regardless of number of tissue blocks taken during first stage; additional stages require 17312 (2-4 stages) or 17313 (5+ stages)
Impact: Prevents $661.16 underbilling when multiple stages performed; proper staging codes can add $383.71-$638.93 to claim
Document exact anatomic location within qualifying sites (h/n/hf/g) since 17311 pays significantly more than 17313 ($661.16 vs $455.73) for trunk/extremity sites
Impact: Coding to wrong anatomic category costs $205.43 per case; audit vulnerability if documentation doesn't support high-reimbursement site
Report closure codes (12001-14302) separately after all Mohs stages completed; repair is not included in 17311 payment
Impact: Average intermediate repair adds $150-400 to case; complex repairs or flaps can add $500-2000; failure to code separately leaves significant revenue uncollected
Verify non-facility vs facility status before billing; $318.29 rate difference requires accurate place of service code (11 vs 22/24)
Impact: Incorrect POS code triggers automatic payment adjustment; non-facility coding in facility setting creates overpayment and audit risk
For multiple tumors same session, append modifier 59/XS to second and subsequent 17311 codes with different anatomic descriptors in documentation
Impact: Second tumor properly coded adds full $661.16; without modifier, claim denies or processes at 50% multiple procedure reduction ($330.58 loss)
Ensure surgeon personally performs frozen section interpretation and documents microscopic findings; delegation to pathologist invalidates 17311

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 17311 in 2025?

Medicare pays $661.16 for CPT 17311 in non-facility settings and $342.87 in facility settings based on the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The rate difference reflects practice expense costs; non-facility includes equipment and space costs while facility assumes hospital provides these resources.

Can I bill CPT 17311 more than once on the same date of service?

Yes, you can bill 17311 multiple times same day for separate distinct tumors, but you must append modifier 59 or XS to the second and subsequent codes and document each tumor's separate anatomic location and independent medical necessity. Each 17311 represents the first stage of a different lesion, not multiple stages of the same lesion.

What body areas qualify for CPT 17311 versus 17313?

CPT 17311 is specifically for lesions on the head, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia (including mucous membranes in these areas). CPT 17313 covers the first stage for lesions on the trunk, arms, or legs. The anatomic distinction matters significantly as 17311 reimburses $205.43 more than 17313 due to higher complexity in cosmetically sensitive areas.

How do I code multiple stages of Mohs surgery with CPT 17311?

Report 17311 once for the first stage, then add 17312 if you perform 2-4 additional stages (reimburses $383.71), or add 17313 if you perform 5 or more additional stages (reimburses $638.93). Never report 17311 multiple times for the same lesion; it represents only the initial stage per tumor.

Is the repair or closure included in CPT 17311?

No, surgical repair is reported separately using appropriate closure codes (12001-14302) after all Mohs stages are completed. CPT 17311 includes only the excision and microscopic examination components. Intermediate, complex repairs, and adjacent tissue transfers are separately billable and typically add $150-2000 depending on complexity and size.

What are the RVU values for CPT 17311 in 2025?

CPT 17311 has a work RVU of 6.2, non-facility practice expense RVU of 13.6, facility practice expense RVU of 3.76, and malpractice RVU of 0.64, for a total non-facility RVU of 20.44. These values multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465 yield the Medicare payment rates.

Do I need special training or credentials to bill CPT 17311?

While CPT does not explicitly require specific credentials, the code requires the surgeon to personally perform immediate microscopic examination of frozen sections, which necessitates specialized Mohs surgery training. Most payers require board certification in dermatology plus fellowship training or equivalent documented competency in Mohs micrographic surgery. Billing 17311 without personally reading slides is inappropriate and subject to audit recoupment.