Billing Amount for CPT Code 17111 Cryotherapy
The billing amount for CPT code 17111 (destruction of benign lesions other than skin tags or cutaneous vascular lesions, 15 or more lesions) is approximately $64 per treatment session, with a total estimated cost of $145 for complete treatment when accounting for multiple sessions and potential complications.
Understanding CPT Code 17111
CPT code 17111 specifically covers:
- Destruction of 15 or more benign lesions
- Using cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen)
- Excludes skin tags and vascular lesions
Cost Breakdown
According to the British Journal of Dermatology guidelines 1, the cost components for cryotherapy include:
- Base cost per treatment session: $64 (£64 in UK healthcare)
- Total treatment cost: $145 (£145)
- This accounts for the fact that 50% of lesions require 2-3 treatment sessions
- Includes a 10% recurrence rate (assuming one successful retreatment)
- Factors in a 25% complication rate (ulceration/infection) requiring additional care
Treatment Protocol Considerations
The cryotherapy protocol typically involves:
- Application of liquid nitrogen using spray or cotton-tipped applicator
- Freeze time of 15-20 seconds until 1-2 mm of normal circumferential skin is frozen
- Thaw period of 20-60 seconds
- Second freeze cycle
- Repeat treatments every 3 weeks for up to 3 total applications 1
Comparative Cost Analysis
When compared to other treatment modalities for similar conditions:
- Cryotherapy: $145 total cost
- Topical 5-fluorouracil: $171 total cost 1
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): $119 total cost 1
Billing Considerations
Several factors may affect the final billing amount:
- Geographic location and regional cost variations
- Facility type (hospital vs. outpatient clinic)
- Insurance coverage and contracted rates
- Need for additional visits due to complications
- Whether the procedure is performed by a physician or nurse
Efficacy and Value Considerations
Cryotherapy has demonstrated efficacy rates of 63-88% in randomized trials, with recurrence rates of 21-39% 1. While not the least expensive option for initial treatment, its overall cost-effectiveness is reasonable when considering:
- Minimal equipment requirements
- No anesthesia needed for most patients
- Short procedure time
- Low risk of serious complications
Potential Additional Costs
Be aware of potential additional costs not included in the base billing amount:
- Initial consultation/evaluation
- Pre-procedure biopsy (if required)
- Follow-up visits for complications
- Treatment of recurrences
The billing amount for cryotherapy under CPT code 17111 represents a mid-range cost option among dermatological treatments, with a favorable balance of efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness for appropriate patients.