11646 excision f/e/e/n/l mal+mrg >4 centimeters
Also known as: facial cancer excision wide, lip cancer removal
Excision of malignant skin lesion on face, ear, eyelid, nose, or lip with margins greater than 4 centimeters. Includes closure of the excision site.
In Plain Language
facial cancer removal; lip cancer surgery
Clinical Context
Used for removal of larger skin cancers on facial structures with very wide surgical margins.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.10 |
| Total RVU | 6.10 |
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 6.10, this code ranks in the 41st percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 11646?
CPT 11646 (excision f/e/e/n/l mal+mrg >4 centimeters) is a Surgery code. Excision of malignant skin lesion on face, ear, eyelid, nose, or lip with margins greater than 4 centimeters. Includes closure of the excision site.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 11646?
The work RVU for CPT 11646 is 6.10. This code is primarily used by Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery, Plastic Surgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 11646 used?
Used for removal of larger skin cancers on facial structures with very wide surgical margins.
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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.