July 13, 2017

Question:
My physician documents a biopsy via “shave technique”.  Is this the correct way to document a biopsy and report the procedure with 11100?

Answer:
We would encourage the physician not to use that term for a biopsy.  CPT terminology for 11100 is “biopsy.”  Furthermore, CPT uses the term “shave” as a method for removal (not biopsy) of a skin lesion and this is reported using the 11300-11312 codes.  The point is that saying “shave biopsy” is confusing to payors and we discourage this language.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 07/13/17.