Question: Kentucky Subscriber Answer: If the re-excision occurs during the same operative session as the initial excision (for instance, due to pathology frozen section findings), you should code a single excision. Your size for the code selection should be "based on the final widest excised diameter required for complete tumor removal," according to CPT. If the re-excision takes place at a later session, you'll need to select an excision code the same way you would for the initial excision. For benign lesions, select from codes such as 11400-11446 (Excision, benign lesion including margins, except skin tag [unless listed elsewhere]), trunk, arms or legs; ...) based on measuring "the greatest clinical diameter of the pparent lesion plus that margin required for complete excision." Lesion excision codes include simple closure. If the re-excision requires intermediate or complex closure, you should code the service separately using the appropriate code from the range 12031-12057 (Repair, intermediate ...) or 13100-13153 (Repair, complex ...). Don't forget modifier: Watch for medical necessity: