CPT
10060 — Incision and drainage of abscess, simple
If just one abscess and simple drainage, 10060 is the correct code.
Dermatology
11400 — Excision benign lesion, except skin tag, trunk/arms/legs; 0.5 cm or less
This code covers the surgical removal of a benign (non-cancerous) skin lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs when the lesion is 0.5 centimeters or smaller in diameter.
- Typical setting: Dermatology clinic, hospital
- National avg charge (illustrative): $80-$180 Medicare allowed (approx. $85-$150 national Medicare average; commercial payers $120-$280; size and location affect payment)
- Most-disputed reason: Incorrect size code: the lesion size must be measured and documented before excision — billing a larger size code than documented is upcoding
What it means
What 11400 actually means
This code covers the surgical removal of a benign (non-cancerous) skin lesion on the trunk, arms, or legs when the lesion is 0.5 centimeters or smaller in diameter. Common lesions removed under this code family include cysts, lipomas, dermatofibromas, and similar benign growths. The size is measured before removal and determines which code in the 11400-11406 series applies.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Most bills that look correct still contain at least one of these issues. Up to 49% of medical bills contain errors (CFPB).
- Incorrect size code: the lesion size must be measured and documented before excision — billing a larger size code than documented is upcoding
- Wrong body location code: the 11400-11406 series covers trunk/arms/legs — excisions on the scalp, face, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia require different code families (11420, 11440)
- Specimen size vs. lesion size: billing based on the pathology specimen size (which includes surgical margins) rather than the clinical lesion size before excision is incorrect
If you see 11400 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on 11400 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
CPT
11042 — Debridement, subcutaneous tissue; first 20 sq cm or less
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
11102 — Skin biopsy, tangential (single lesion)
First biopsy at full price; additional biopsies use add-on codes (11103).
CPT
11104 — Punch biopsy of skin; single lesion
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
11106 — Incisional biopsy of skin; single lesion
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
11600 — Excision malignant lesion, trunk/arms/legs; 0.5 cm or less excised diameter
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 11400 on a bill.
11400 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What does 11400 usually cost?
$80-$180 Medicare allowed (approx. $85-$150 national Medicare average; commercial payers $120-$280; size and location affect payment). Costs vary by region, payer contract, and whether the service was performed in a hospital outpatient department (which adds a facility fee) versus a free-standing clinic.
What's the most common billing error on 11400?
Incorrect size code: the lesion size must be measured and documented before excision — billing a larger size code than documented is upcoding
What should I do if I see 11400 on my bill?
Request the itemized bill and the matching EOB from your insurer. Compare the units/quantity billed against what you actually received. Run a free BillBusted scan to flag the most likely errors specific to 11400 before paying.
Don't pay 11400 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.