CPT 17380Surgery

Electrolysis epilation ea 30

CPT code 17380 covers electrolysis hair removal treatments performed on each 30-minute increment. This is a permanent hair removal procedure using electrical current to destroy individual hair follicles.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$0.00

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

PE RVU (NF)

MP RVU

Total RVU

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

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Verify medical necessity documentation before billing any payor. CPT 17380 is typically non-covered by Medicare as cosmetic unless linked to specific medical conditions like pilonidal disease or gender dysphoria.
Impact: Prevents denials and compliance issues; ensures proper patient financial responsibility is established upfront
Obtain signed ABN (Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage) for all Medicare patients before performing electrolysis, using modifier GA when filing.
Impact: Allows collection from patient when Medicare denies; failure to obtain ABN means you cannot bill patient
Bill in 30-minute increments only. Time less than 30 minutes may not be billable or may require modifier 52; verify individual payor policies on minimum time requirements.
Impact: Prevents downcoding or denials; some payors may not reimburse for partial units
For commercial payors, verify coverage and obtain prior authorization for medical indications such as pseudofolliculitis barbae, hirsutism with documented hormonal disorder, or pilonidal cyst management.
Impact: Some commercial plans cover medically necessary electrolysis at $50-$200 per 30-minute session when prior authorized
Document exact start and stop times for each 30-minute session, total area treated, number of follicles treated, and medical necessity when applicable.
Impact: Supports unit billing and medical necessity on audit; inadequate time documentation is a primary audit flag
Consider cash-pay pricing models since Medicare assigns $0 reimbursement and many commercial plans exclude coverage. Transparently communicate costs to patients before treatment.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare cover CPT code 17380 for electrolysis?

No, Medicare assigns $0 reimbursement to CPT 17380 because electrolysis is generally considered cosmetic. Rare exceptions may exist for specific medical conditions documented in local coverage determinations, but standard Medicare does not reimburse for this service. Always obtain a signed ABN before treating Medicare patients.

How much does CPT 17380 reimburse from commercial insurance?

Reimbursement varies widely by payor, but most commercial plans exclude electrolysis as cosmetic. When covered for documented medical necessity (hirsutism, gender dysphoria, pilonidal disease), rates typically range from $50-$200 per 30-minute session. Prior authorization is usually required. Verify coverage before performing the service.

Can I bill multiple units of 17380 in one day?

Yes, CPT 17380 is billed per 30-minute increment, so multiple units can be billed for longer sessions. Document exact start and stop times for each 30-minute period. Some payors may require modifier 76 for same-day repeat sessions. Always verify individual payor policies on maximum daily units.

What diagnosis codes support medical necessity for 17380?

Diagnosis codes that may support medical necessity include L73.1 (pseudofolliculitis barbae), E28.1 (androgen excess), L68.0 (hirsutism), F64.0 (gender dysphoria), and L05.91 (pilonidal cyst). Documentation must show the electrolysis is treating a medical condition, not performed for cosmetic purposes. Prior authorization is typically required.

What modifiers should I use when billing 17380?

Use modifier GY for Medicare when service is cosmetic/statutorily excluded. Use GA when you have a signed ABN on file. Modifier 76 may be needed for same-day repeat sessions. Modifier 52 may apply for reduced services under 30 minutes. Always append GA or GY for Medicare to ensure proper claim processing and patient billing rights.

Is electrolysis (17380) covered for transgender patients?

Coverage varies by state and payor. Some state Medicaid programs and commercial plans cover electrolysis as part of gender-affirming care when linked to diagnosis F64.0 (gender dysphoria) with supporting mental health documentation. Prior authorization, letters of support from mental health professionals, and documentation following WPATH standards are typically required. Many plans still exclude coverage.

What are the RVUs for CPT code 17380 in 2025?

For 2025, CPT 17380 has 0 work RVU, 0 practice expense RVU (both facility and non-facility), and 0 malpractice RVU, totaling 0 total RVUs. This results in $0 Medicare reimbursement under the 2025 physician fee schedule with conversion factor 32.3465. The zero RVU assignment reflects Medicare's classification of this service as non-covered cosmetic care.