17261 destruction mal lesion t/a/l .6-1.0cm
Also known as: destroy malignant 0.6-1.0, skin cancer small-medium
Destruction of malignant skin lesion (trunk, arms, legs) with largest diameter between 0.6 and 1.0 centimeter.
In Plain Language
Treatment of small skin cancer, slightly larger size
Clinical Context
Used for malignant lesions on body that are slightly larger than 0.5 cm but less than 1 cm. Appropriate for early-stage lesions.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.19 |
| Total RVU | 1.19 |
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 1.19, this code ranks in the 6th percentile among Surgery codes — 6.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 17261?
CPT 17261 (destruction mal lesion t/a/l .6-1.0cm) is a Surgery code. Destruction of malignant skin lesion (trunk, arms, legs) with largest diameter between 0.6 and 1.0 centimeter.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 17261?
The work RVU for CPT 17261 is 1.19. This code is primarily used by Dermatology, Surgical Oncology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 17261 used?
Used for malignant lesions on body that are slightly larger than 0.5 cm but less than 1 cm. Appropriate for early-stage lesions.
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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.