CPT 17314Surgery

Mohs addl stage t/a/l

CPT 17314 covers each additional stage of Mohs micrographic surgery performed on the trunk, arms, or legs after the first stage. This add-on code is used when the surgeon must remove and examine additional tissue layers to ensure complete cancer removal.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$382.34

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

3.06

PE RVU (NF)

8.46

MP RVU

0.3

Total RVU

11.82

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Always bill 17314 in conjunction with the appropriate primary Mohs code (17313 for trunk/arms/legs). The primary code must be billed first on the claim.
Impact: Billing without primary code results in 100% denial. Each correctly paired additional stage generates $382.34 in non-facility settings.
Document each stage separately with tissue block identification, mapping diagrams, margin status, and microscopic findings. Number each stage sequentially.
Impact: Inadequate stage documentation is the leading cause of downcoding or denial. Proper documentation supports multiple units of 17314, potentially adding $764.68 or more per case.
Report units of 17314 equal to the number of additional stages beyond the first. If 3 total stages performed, bill 17313 x1 and 17314 x2.
Impact: Under-reporting units leaves $382.34 on the table per missed stage. Verify final pathology report matches billed units before claim submission.
Bill non-facility (office) rate when surgery and histology are performed in physician's office with owned equipment. Facility rate applies in ASC/hospital settings.
Impact: Non-facility rate pays $213.81 more per stage ($382.34 vs $168.53). Incorrect place of service code costs $213.81 per stage in lost revenue.
Include photographs, tissue maps with color coding, and defect measurements for each stage in the medical record to support medical necessity.
Impact: Visual documentation reduces audit risk by 40-60% and strengthens appeals. Critical for defending multiple stages during post-payment review.
Verify that same-day repair codes (12031-14302) are separately billable. Intermediate and complex repairs are typically reimbursed in addition to Mohs codes.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does Medicare pay for CPT code 17314 in 2025?

Medicare pays $382.34 for CPT 17314 in non-facility settings and $168.53 in facility settings based on the 2025 national average. Actual payment may vary by geographic locality based on the GPCI adjustment factors for your area.

How many times can you bill CPT 17314 on the same day?

You can bill 17314 multiple times per session, with each unit representing one additional stage beyond the first stage (covered by 17313). There is no CPT-imposed maximum, but documentation must support medical necessity for each stage. Most cases involve 1-3 additional stages, though complex tumors may require more.

What is the difference between CPT 17313 and 17314?

CPT 17313 is the primary code for the first stage of Mohs surgery on trunk, arms, or legs, while 17314 is an add-on code for each additional stage. You must bill 17313 first, then add units of 17314 for subsequent stages. For example, if 3 total stages were performed, bill 17313 x1 and 17314 x2.

Can CPT 17314 be billed alone without another code?

No, CPT 17314 cannot be billed alone. It is an add-on code that must be reported with the primary Mohs surgery code 17313. Billing 17314 without the primary code will result in automatic denial. Always ensure the primary code appears on the same claim.

What documentation is required for billing CPT 17314?

Required documentation includes an operative report with sequential stage numbering, tissue mapping diagrams with color coding for each stage, microscopic examination findings showing margin status for each stage, justification for additional stages based on positive margins, and confirmation that the same physician performed excision and microscopic examination.

What are the RVUs for CPT code 17314?

CPT 17314 has 3.06 work RVUs, 8.46 non-facility practice expense RVUs (1.85 facility PE RVUs), and 0.30 malpractice RVUs, totaling 11.82 non-facility RVUs. These values are from the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Does CPT 17314 require modifier 51?

No, CPT 17314 is exempt from modifier 51 as it is designated as an add-on code. The CPT code descriptor includes a '+' symbol indicating it is modifier 51 exempt. However, other modifiers such as 59 or anatomic modifiers (LT/RT) may be appropriate depending on the clinical scenario.