17340 Cryotherapy for acne
Also known as: cryo acne, cryotherapy acne
Cryotherapy or cryosurgical treatment of acne using liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic agents to treat active acne lesions.
In Plain Language
Freezing treatment for acne; Cold therapy for pimples
Clinical Context
Performed for inflammatory acne when topical treatment has failed. Often used for cystic or severe acne. May require multiple sessions.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.75 |
| Total RVU | 0.75 |
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 0.75, this code ranks in the 2nd percentile among Surgery codes — 10.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 17340?
CPT 17340 (Cryotherapy for acne) is a Surgery code. Cryotherapy or cryosurgical treatment of acne using liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic agents to treat active acne lesions.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 17340?
The work RVU for CPT 17340 is 0.75. This code is primarily used by Dermatology, General Surgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 17340 used?
Performed for inflammatory acne when topical treatment has failed. Often used for cystic or severe acne. May require multiple sessions.
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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.