11640 excision f/e/e/n/l mal+mrg 0.5cm<
Also known as: facial cancer excision, lip cancer removal, excision malignant lesion face
Excision of malignant skin lesion on face, ear, eyelid, nose, or lip with margins of 0.5 centimeters or less. Includes closure of the excision site.
In Plain Language
facial cancer removal; lip cancer surgery
Clinical Context
Used for removal of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma on cosmetically sensitive facial structures with minimal margins.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.63 |
| Total RVU | 1.63 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.63, this code ranks in the 10th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.9x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 11640?
CPT 11640 (excision f/e/e/n/l mal+mrg 0.5cm<) is a Surgery code. Excision of malignant skin lesion on face, ear, eyelid, nose, or lip with margins of 0.5 centimeters or less. Includes closure of the excision site.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 11640?
The work RVU for CPT 11640 is 1.63. This code is primarily used by Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery, Plastic Surgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 11640 used?
Used for removal of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma on cosmetically sensitive facial structures with minimal margins.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.