17266 destruction mal lesion t/a/l >4.0 centimeters
Also known as: destroy malignant 4.0+, skin cancer very large
Destruction of malignant skin lesion (trunk, arms, legs) with largest diameter greater than 4.0 centimeters.
In Plain Language
Treatment of very large skin cancer
Clinical Context
Used for extensive malignant lesions on body greater than 4 cm. Requires careful margin assessment and staged treatment planning.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.33 |
| Total RVU | 2.33 |
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 2.33, this code ranks in the 16th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 17266?
CPT 17266 (destruction mal lesion t/a/l >4.0 centimeters) is a Surgery code. Destruction of malignant skin lesion (trunk, arms, legs) with largest diameter greater than 4.0 centimeters.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 17266?
The work RVU for CPT 17266 is 2.33. This code is primarily used by Dermatology, Surgical Oncology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 17266 used?
Used for extensive malignant lesions on body greater than 4 cm. Requires careful margin assessment and staged treatment planning.
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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.