17270 destruction mal lesion s/n/h/f/g .5 /<
Also known as: destroy malignant small sensitive, skin cancer small face/neck
Destruction of malignant skin lesion (scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitals) with largest diameter 0.5 centimeter or less.
In Plain Language
Treatment of small skin cancer on sensitive areas
Clinical Context
Used for small malignant lesions on cosmetically sensitive or functionally important areas. Size-dependent coding for sensitive regions.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.34 |
| Total RVU | 1.34 |
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 1.34, this code ranks in the 7th percentile among Surgery codes — 6.0x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 17270?
CPT 17270 (destruction mal lesion s/n/h/f/g .5 /<) is a Surgery code. Destruction of malignant skin lesion (scalp, neck, hands, feet, genitals) with largest diameter 0.5 centimeter or less.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 17270?
The work RVU for CPT 17270 is 1.34. This code is primarily used by Dermatology, Surgical Oncology, Plastic Surgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 17270 used?
Used for small malignant lesions on cosmetically sensitive or functionally important areas. Size-dependent coding for sensitive regions.
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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.