Excisional Biopsy

Question:

My doctor’s documentation for a biopsy indicates he performed an “excisional biopsy of the skin”. Is this correct?

Answer:

No, CPT does not have a code for excisional biopsy. It is either a biopsy (11100 or 11101) or a benign or malignant excision code. (114xx, 116xx). It is important to use the appropriate terminology in the documentation to make it clear what type of procedure is performed. It is important to remember that all excision codes include a biopsy.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 01/19/17.