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(c) 2022 THE AUTHORS. Published by the National Society for Cutaneous Medicine. 122 

RESEARCH LETTER 
 

 

Trends in Medicare Reimbursement within Dermatology: 2011-2021 
 

Kyle Lauck MD1, Quoc-Bao Nguyen MD, MBA2,3, Adelaide A. Hebert, MD2,3,4  
 
1 Department of Internal Medicine, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX  
2 Department of Dermatology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX  
3 Department of Dermatology, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 
4 Department of Pediatrics, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 
 

 

Recently, the Centers for Medicare and 
Medicaid services (CMS) have emphasized 
increased reimbursement for evaluation and 
management services (E/M) with 
compensatory cuts in procedural services. 
To date, a paucity of data exists examining 
reimbursement for E/M and procedural 
services within dermatology.1 This was a 
longitudinal analysis of reimbursement rates  

 

through time for common services, both E/M 
and procedural, performed by 
dermatologists to ascertain if trends were 
similar to other fields studied to date.2-5  

 

Using the Physician/Supplier Procedure 
Summary (PSPS), a CMS database which 
tracks Medicare Part B claims per year, an 
extraction of the 20 most common Health 
Care Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) 
codes billed by a dermatologist was 
performed (Table 1). An additional extraction 
of ten common E/M service codes billed in 
dermatology was extracted. Using the CMS 
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) 
look-up tool, which contains reimbursement 
for HCPCS codes through time, 
reimbursement rates for the extracted 
HCPCS codes were tabulated for the years 
2011-2021. The consumer price index for 
medical care was then used to adjust 
nominal reimbursement to real 2021 US  

 

dollars. Statistical analyses were 
accomplished with Microsoft Excel. Trends 
were evaluated using linear regression with 
a significance level of p of 0.05 or below. For 
a comprehensive index of reimbursement 
rates from 2011-2021 please see 
Supplemental Table 1.    

 

Without adjusting for inflation, 
reimbursement for all services analyzed 
increased 18.3%. When adjusted for 
inflation, average reimbursement declined 
by 9.57%. Twenty two of thirty services 
decreased in reimbursement. 
Reimbursement for E/M codes specifically 
decline by 8.34% when adjusted for inflation. 
Seven out of ten E/M codes experienced a 
decrease. Reimbursement for the 20 most 
common procedural codes decreased by 
10.80% when adjusted for inflation. Fifteen 
out of twenty codes declined in 
reimbursement (Table 2). 
 
The inflation adjusted decline in 
reimbursement seen here parallels the 
average declines in other specialties 
including plastic and reconstructive surgery 
(14%), general surgery (24%), neurosurgery 
(26%), ophthalmology (26%), and 
otolaryngology (38%).2-5  E/M services make 
up a large portion of total payments to 
dermatologists, and  inflation-adjusted 



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(c) 2022 THE AUTHORS. Published by the National Society for Cutaneous Medicine. 123 

decline in E/M services from 2011-2021 is 
noteworthy. 
 
Limitations of this study include that some 
codes change over time. PSPS did not 
contain HCPCS codes charged 10 or fewer 
times in a given locality, potentially 
underestimating the total submitted services 
rendered. Extrapolation to general 
populations is difficult when only examining 
Medicare reimbursement which did not 
include individuals with supplemental 
Medicare plans nor individuals with private 
insurance. However a relative strength is 
longitudinal nature of this assessment, 
involving a decade of data attesting to the 
status of dermatology E/M  and surgical 
services within Medicare.  
 
The average decrease in reimbursement for 
all services and procedures examined here 
parallels other specialties in trend but is 
smaller in magnitude of decline. This 

decrease was demonstrated in both E/M 
and procedural services. Future studies may 
reveal the impact of these trends on 
providers, practices, and patients.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Table 1. Common services performed by a dermatologist in 2019 

Common services performed by a dermatologist in 2019 

20 Most Common Procedures 

HCPCS 
Code 

Procedure Description 2019 Submitted Services 2019 
Reimbursement 

17003 Destruction of premalignant lesion add-on                                           
14,861,990  

$5.77 

17000 Destruction of premalignant lesion                                              
4,518,895  

$66.67 

11102 Tangential biopsy of skin                                              
2,502,134  

$100.91 

17110 Destruction of benign lesion.                                               
1,697,547  

$112.80 

11103 Tangential skin biopsy add-on                                              
1,112,055  

$54.42 

95044 Allergy patch testing                                                   
867,223  

$5.77 

17004 Destruction of premalignant lesion add-on                                                   
682,436  

$155.33 

96910 Photochemotherapy with UV-B                                                   
342,824  

$116.77 

13132 Complex repair (cheeks, chin, mouth, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, 
feet)  

                                                  
268,622  

$492.29 

17262 Destruction of malignant lesion                                                   
238,580  

$180.56 

11104 Punch biopsy of skin lesion                                                   
229,473  

$126.86 

12032 Intermediate repair                                                   
210,625  

$311.74 

11900 Intralesional injection                                                   
193,506  

$55.50 

77401 Radiation treatment delivery                                                   
191,286  

$25.23 

11602 Excision of malignant lesion                                                   
177,174  

$254.44 



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13121 Complex repair (scalp, arm, legs)                                                    
169,546  

$441.84  

96900 Ultraviolet light therapy                                                   
165,762  

$21.98  

77280 Set radiation therapy field                                                   
155,304  

$282.55  

11301 Shave skin lesion 0.6-1.0 cm                                                   
141,373  

$122.53 

69100 Biopsy of external ear                                                   
118,656  

$100.55 

Evaluation and Management 

HCPCS 
Code 

Procedure Description 2019 Submitted Services 2019 
Reimbursement 

99201 Office/outpatient visit new patient (10 minutes)                                                       
57,709  

$46.49 

99202 Office/outpatient visit new patient (20 minutes)                                                   
649,072  

$77.48 

99203 Office/outpatient visit new patient (30 minutes)                                                   
870,984  

$109.92 

99204 Office/outpatient visit new patient (45 minutes)                                                      
35,726  

$166.86 

99205 Office/outpatient visit new patient (60 minutes)                                                         
2,008  

$209.75 

99211 Office/outpatient visit established patient (5 minutes)                                                      
40,616  

$23.07 

99212 Office/outpatient visit established patient (10 minutes)                                              
1,519,979  

$45.77 

99213 Office/outpatient visit established patient (15 minutes)                                              
6,103,195  

$75.32 

99214 Office/outpatient visit established patient (25 minutes)                                              
2,404,351  

$110.28 

99215 Office/outpatient visit established (40 minutes)                                                      
23,336  

$147.76 

 
Table 2. Nominal vs. inflation adjusted changes in Medicare reimbursement 2011 to 2021 

     Top 20 Most Common Procedures 
     Unadjusted Reimbursement Reimbursement Adjusted for Inflation with Medical 

Care CPI 
HCPCS 
Code 

 Description 2011 2021 Percent 
Change 

P-
value 

2011 2021 Percent 
Change 

P-value 

17003  Destruction of premalignant 
lesion add-on 

$7.14  $6.63  -7.14% 0.131 $9.35  $6.63  -29.06% 0.007 

17000  Destruction of premalignant 
lesion 

$79.51  $67.34  -15.31% <0.001 $104.07  $67.34  -35.30% <0.001 

11102  Tangential biopsy of skin $102.27  $106.42  4.06% 0.609 $133.87  $106.42  -20.50% <0.001 

17110  Destruction of benign lesion.  $108.39  $116.19  7.20% 0.002 $141.88  $116.19  -18.10% <0.001 

11103  Tangential skin biopsy add-on $32.62  $54.08  65.79% 0.001 $42.70  $54.08  26.66% 0.037 

95044  Allergy patch testing $6.12  $5.58  -8.82% 0.016 $8.01  $5.58  -30.34% <0.001 

17004  Destruction of premalignant 
lesion add-on 

$171.92  $169.23  -1.56% 0.181 $225.03  $169.23  -24.80% <0.001 

96910  Photochemotherapy with UV-B $69.31  $122.13  76.21% <0.001 $90.72  $122.13  34.62% 0.009 

13132  Complex repair (cheeks, chin, 
mouth, neck, axillae, genitalia, 
hands, feet) 

$576.24  $491.30  -14.74% 0.023 $754.27  $491.30  -34.86% <0.001 

17262  Destruction of malignant lesion $171.92  $182.49  6.15% <0.001 $225.03 $182.49  -18.91% <0.001 

11104  Punch biopsy of skin lesion $102.27  $133.29  30.33% <0.001 $133.87 $133.29  -0.43% 0.658 

12032  Intermediate repair $302.05  $316.13  4.66% 0.002 $395.37 $316.13  -20.04% <0.001 

11900  Intralesional injection $55.38  $57.57  3.95% 0.053 $72.49 $57.57  -20.58% <0.001 

77401  Radiation treatment delivery $25.48  $43.97  72.57% 0.027 $33.35 $43.97  31.84% 0.347 

11602  Excision of malignant lesion $242.25  $253.67  4.71% 0.001 $317.09 $253.67  -20.00% <0.001 

13121  Complex repair (scalp, arm, 
legs)  

$438.64  $445.59  1.58% 0.474 $574.15 $445.59  -22.39% <0.001 

96900  Ultraviolet light therapy $20.73  $23.73  14.47% 0.023 $27.13 $23.73  -12.55% <0.001 

77280  Set radiation therapy field $188.91  $289.61  53.31% <0.001 $247.27 $289.61  17.12% 0.062 

11301  Shave skin lesion 0.6-1.0 cm $91.74  $127.71  39.21% 0.002 $120.08 $127.71  6.35% 0.857 



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69100  Biopsy of external ear $102.95  $101.54  -1.37% 0.112 $134.76 $101.54  -24.65% <0.001 

 
 

 
Evaluation and Management 

 
 

 
Unadjusted Reimbursement Reimbursement Adjusted for Inflation with Medical 

Care CPI 

HCPCS 
Code 

 Description 2011 2021 Percent 
Change 

P-
value 

2011 2021 Percent 
Change 

P-value 

99201  Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (10 minutes) 

$41.11  46.56* 13.26% <0.001 53.81066 47.01* -12.63% <0.001 

99202  Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (20 minutes) 

$71.01  73.97 4.17% <0.001 92.94806 73.97 -20.42% <0.001 

99203  Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (30-44 minutes) 

$102.95  113.75 10.49% <0.001 134.7557 113.75 -15.59% <0.001 

99204  Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (45-59 minutes) 

$158.33  169.93 7.33% <0.001 207.245 169.93 -18.01% <0.001 

99205  Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (60-74 minutes) 

$197.06  224.36 13.85% <0.001 257.9404 224.36 -13.02% <0.001 

99211  Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (5 minutes) 

$19.71  23.03 16.84% <0.001 25.79927 23.03 -10.73% 0.008 

99212  Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (10 minutes) 

$41.45  56.88 37.23% <0.001 54.2557 56.88 4.84% 0.123 

99213  Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (15 minutes) 

$68.97  92.47 34.07% <0.001 90.27781 92.47 2.43% 0.054 

99214  Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (30-39 
minutes) 

$102.27  131.20 28.29% <0.001 133.8656 131.20 -1.99% 0.007 

99215  Office/outpatient visit 
established (40-54 minutes) 

$137.60  183.19 33.13% <0.001 180.1106 183.19 1.71% 0.044 

 
 *Reimbursement rate for 99201 from 2021 unavailable. Rate from 

2020 was used as a proxy. 

      

 
Supplemental Table 1. Comprehensive index of Medicare reimbursement 2011 to 2021 

No adjustment for inflation  

Top 20 Most Common Procedures  

HCPCS Code Description 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017  

17003 Destruction of premalignant lesion add-
on 

 $        6.63   $        6.14   $        5.77   $        5.40   $        5.74   

17000 Destruction of premalignant lesion  $     67.34   $     66.77   $     66.67   $     67.68   $     67.83   

11102 Tangential biopsy of skin  $  106.42   $  102.49   $  100.91   $  108.00   $  105.15   

17110 Destruction of benign lesion.   $  116.19   $  114.40   $  112.80   $  114.48   $  112.69   

11103 Tangential skin biopsy add-on  $     54.08   $     54.50   $     54.42   $     33.48   $     33.38   

95044 Allergy patch testing  $        5.58   $        5.41   $        5.77   $        5.76   $        5.74   

17004 Destruction of premalignant lesion add-
on 

 $  169.23   $  161.68   $  155.33   $  147.96   $  152.89   

96910 Photochemotherapy with UV-B  $  122.13   $  118.37   $  116.77   $  115.56   $     72.14   

13132 Complex repair (cheeks, chin, mouth, 
neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, feet) 

 $  491.30   $  490.46   $  492.29   $  488.16   $  485.57   

17262 Destruction of malignant lesion  $  182.49   $  180.81   $  180.56   $  180.00   $  178.01   

11104 Punch biopsy of skin lesion  $  133.29   $  128.84   $  126.86   $  108.00   $  105.15   

12032 Intermediate repair  $  316.13   $  310.01   $  311.74   $  309.96   $  309.00   

11900 Intralesional injection  $     57.57   $     56.30   $     55.50   $     57.60   $     56.70   

77401 Radiation treatment delivery  $     43.97   $     24.90   $     25.23   $     25.56   $     25.12   

11602 Excision of malignant lesion  $  253.67   $  253.35   $  254.44   $  254.88   $  253.02   

13121 Complex repair (scalp, arm, legs)   $  445.59   $  441.74   $  441.84   $  437.76   $  435.33   

96900 Ultraviolet light therapy  $     23.73   $     22.74   $     21.98   $     21.24   $     21.17   

77280 Set radiation therapy field  $  289.61   $  283.30   $  282.55   $  287.28   $  278.86   

11301 Shave skin lesion 0.6-1.0 cm  $  127.71   $  124.51   $  122.53   $  123.12   $  122.74   

69100 Biopsy of external ear  $  101.54   $  100.69   $  100.55   $  103.32   $  102.64   

Evaluation and Management  

HCPCS Code Description 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017  

99201 Office/outpatient visit new patient (10 
minutes) 

Not Available  $     46.56   $     46.49   $     45.36   $     44.50   



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99202 Office/outpatient visit new patient (20 
minutes) 

 $     73.97   $     77.23   $     77.48   $     76.32   $     75.72   

99203 Office/outpatient visit new patient (30-
44 minutes) 

 $  113.75   $  109.35   $  109.92   $  109.80   $  109.46   

99204 Office/outpatient visit new patient (45-
59 minutes) 

 $  169.93   $  167.10   $  166.86   $  167.40   $  166.17   

99205 Office/outpatient visit new patient (60-
74 minutes) 

 $  224.36   $  211.12   $  209.75   $  210.60   $  209.23   

99211 Office/outpatient visit established 
patient (5 minutes) 

 $     23.03   $     23.46   $     23.07   $     21.96   $     20.46   

99212 Office/outpatient visit established 
patient (10 minutes) 

 $     56.88   $     46.20   $     45.77   $     44.64   $     44.14   

99213 Office/outpatient visit established 
patient (15 minutes) 

 $     92.47   $     76.15   $     75.32   $     74.16   $     73.93   

99214 Office/outpatient visit established 
patient (30-39 minutes) 

 $  131.20   $  110.43   $  110.28   $  109.44   $  108.74   

99215 Office/outpatient visit established (40-
54 minutes) 

 $  183.19   $  148.33   $  147.76   $  147.60   $  146.43   

 

Top 20 Most Common Procedures 

HCPCS 
Code 

Description 2016 2015B 2015A 2014 2013 

17003 Destruction of premalignant 
lesion add-on 

 $        5.73   $        5.75   $        5.72   $     10.03   $        6.81  

17000 Destruction of premalignant 
lesion 

 $     67.67   $     67.20   $     66.86   $     75.23   $     83.36  

11102 Tangential biopsy of skin  $  104.55   $  104.93   $  104.40   $  102.45   $  106.49  

17110 Destruction of benign lesion.   $  112.07   $  112.11   $  111.56   $  109.26   $  114.32  

11103 Tangential skin biopsy add-on  $     33.30   $     33.06   $     32.89   $     32.60   $     32.66  

95044 Allergy patch testing  $        5.73   $        5.75   $        5.72   $        5.37   $        5.78  

17004 Destruction of premalignant 
lesion add-on 

 $  152.89   $  152.00   $  151.24   $  151.24   $  172.84  

96910 Photochemotherapy with UV-B  $     72.14   $     72.23   $     71.87   $     71.87   $     76.21  

13132 Complex repair (cheeks, chin, 
mouth, neck, axillae, genitalia, 
hands, feet) 

 $  483.36   $  483.31   $  480.90   $  475.37   $  486.19  

17262 Destruction of malignant lesion  $  177.23   $  177.15   $  176.27   $  173.74   $  178.96  

11104 Punch biopsy of skin lesion  $  104.55   $  104.93   $  104.40   $  102.45   $  106.49  

12032 Intermediate repair  $  307.20   $  306.87   $  305.35   $  301.27   $  311.99  

11900 Intralesional injection  $     56.21   $     56.06   $     55.78   $     55.17   $     56.82  

77401 Radiation treatment delivery  $     24.35   $     20.84   $     20.74   $     20.06   $     20.75  

11602 Excision of malignant lesion  $  251.35   $  250.82   $  249.57   $  247.18   $  253.81  

13121 Complex repair (scalp, arm, 
legs)  

 $  433.23   $  432.28   $  430.13   $  425.93   $  437.20  

96900 Ultraviolet light therapy  $     20.77   $     20.84   $     20.74   $     20.42   $     22.12  

77280 Set radiation therapy field  $  276.05   $  272.74   $  271.38   $  271.54   $  181.00  

11301 Shave skin lesion 0.6-1.0 cm  $  121.02   $  121.46   $  120.85   $  118.22   $  123.16  

69100 Biopsy of external ear  $  102.04   $  102.41   $  101.90   $     99.95   $  103.77  

Evaluation and Management 

HCPCS 
Code 

Description 2016 2015B 2015A 2014 2013 

99201 Office/outpatient visit new patient 
(10 minutes) 

 $     44.04   $     44.20   $     43.98   $     43.35   $     43.89  

99202 Office/outpatient visit new patient 
(20 minutes) 

 $     75.19   $     75.46   $     75.08   $     74.51   $     74.51  

99203 Office/outpatient visit new patient 
(30-44 minutes) 

 $  108.85   $  109.60   $  109.05   $  108.19   $  108.19  

99204 Office/outpatient visit new patient 
(45-59 minutes) 

 $  166.13   $  166.73   $  165.90   $  166.22   $  164.67  

99205 Office/outpatient visit new patient 
(60-74 minutes) 

 $  208.38   $  209.49   $  208.45   $  207.06   $  203.80  

99211 Office/outpatient visit established 
patient (5 minutes) 

 $     20.05   $     20.12   $     20.02   $     20.06   $     20.41  

99212 Office/outpatient visit established 
patient (10 minutes) 

 $     43.68   $     44.20   $     43.98   $     43.70   $     43.89  

99213 Office/outpatient visit established 
patient (15 minutes) 

 $     73.40   $     73.30   $     72.94   $     73.08   $     72.81  

99214 Office/outpatient visit established 
patient (30-39 minutes) 

 $  108.13   $  108.88   $  108.34   $  107.83   $  106.83  



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99215 Office/outpatient visit established 
(40-54 minutes) 

 $  145.72   $  146.97   $  146.24   $  144.37   $  142.90  

 
       Top 20 Most Common Procedures 

HCPCS 
Code 

Description 2012B 2012A 2011 
  

17003 Destruction of premalignant 
lesion add-on 

 $        7.15   $        7.15   $        7.14  
  

17000 Destruction of premalignant 
lesion 

 $     81.01   $     81.01   $     79.51  
  

11102 Tangential biopsy of skin  $  103.82   $  103.82   $  102.27  
  

17110 Destruction of benign lesion.   $  110.96   $  110.96   $  108.39  
  

11103 Tangential skin biopsy add-on  $     32.68   $     32.68   $     32.62  
  

95044 Allergy patch testing  $        6.13   $        6.13   $        6.12  
  

17004 Destruction of premalignant 
lesion add-on 

 $  171.89   $  171.89   $  171.92  
  

96910 Photochemotherapy with UV-B  $     72.16   $     72.16   $     69.31  
  

13132 Complex repair (cheeks, chin, 
mouth, neck, axillae, genitalia, 
hands, feet) 

 $  580.34   $  580.34   $  576.24  
  

17262 Destruction of malignant lesion  $  175.29   $  175.29   $  171.92  
  

11104 Punch biopsy of skin lesion  $  103.82   $  103.82   $  102.27  
  

12032 Intermediate repair  $  304.64   $  304.64   $  302.05  
  

11900 Intralesional injection  $     55.82   $     55.82   $     55.38  
  

77401 Radiation treatment delivery  $     22.12   $     22.12   $     25.48  
  

11602 Excision of malignant lesion  $  247.45   $  247.45   $  242.25  
  

13121 Complex repair (scalp, arm, legs)   $  443.85   $  443.85   $  438.64  
  

96900 Ultraviolet light therapy  $     21.44   $     21.44   $     20.73  
  

77280 Set radiation therapy field  $  187.55   $  187.55   $  188.91  
  

11301 Shave skin lesion 0.6-1.0 cm  $     93.26   $     93.26   $     91.74  
  

69100 Biopsy of external ear  $  102.79   $  102.79   $  102.95  
  

Evaluation and Management 

HCPCS 
Code 

Description 2012B 2012A 2011 
  

99201 Office/outpatient visit new patient 
(10 minutes) 

 $     42.55   $     42.55   $     41.11  
  

99202 Office/outpatient visit new patient 
(20 minutes) 

 $     72.50   $     72.50   $     71.01  
  

99203 Office/outpatient visit new patient 
(30-44 minutes) 

 $  105.18   $  105.18   $  102.95  
  

99204 Office/outpatient visit new patient 
(45-59 minutes) 

 $  160.66   $  160.66   $  158.33  
  

99205 Office/outpatient visit new patient 
(60-74 minutes) 

 $  199.46   $  199.46   $  197.06  
  

99211 Office/outpatient visit established 
patient (5 minutes) 

 $     19.74   $     19.74   $     19.71  
  

99212 Office/outpatient visit established 
patient (10 minutes) 

 $     42.55   $     42.55   $     41.45  
  

99213 Office/outpatient visit established 
patient (15 minutes) 

 $     70.46   $     70.46   $     68.97  
  

99214 Office/outpatient visit established 
patient (30-39 minutes) 

 $  104.16   $  104.16   $  102.27  
  

99215 Office/outpatient visit established 
(40-54 minutes) 

 $  139.90   $  139.90   $  137.60  
  

 
 

 

Healthcare CPI 

Top 20 Most Common Procedures 

HCPCS Code Description 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 

17003 Destruction of 
premalignant lesion add-
on 

 $        6.63   $        6.20   $        6.07   $        
5.84  

 $        6.33  



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17000 Destruction of 
premalignant lesion 

 $     67.34   $     67.42   $     70.08   $     
73.15  

 $     74.76  

11102 Tangential biopsy of skin  $  106.42   $  103.49   $  106.07   $  
116.74  

 $  115.90  

17110 Destruction of benign 
lesion.  

 $  116.19   $  115.51   $  118.57   $  
123.74  

 $  124.21  

11103 Tangential skin biopsy 
add-on 

 $     54.08   $     55.03   $     57.20   $     
36.19  

 $     36.79  

95044 Allergy patch testing  $        5.58   $        5.46   $        6.07   $        
6.23  

 $        6.33  

17004 Destruction of 
premalignant lesion add-
on 

 $  169.23   $  163.25   $  163.28   $  
159.93  

 $  168.52  

96910 Photochemotherapy with 
UV-B 

 $  122.13   $  119.52   $  122.74   $  
124.91  

 $     79.51  

13132 Complex repair (cheeks, 
chin, mouth, neck, axillae, 
genitalia, hands, feet) 

 $  491.30   $  495.22   $  517.48   $  
527.65  

 $  535.21  

17262 Destruction of malignant 
lesion 

 $  182.49   $  182.57   $  189.80   $  
194.56  

 $  196.21  

11104 Punch biopsy of skin 
lesion 

 $  133.29   $  130.09   $  133.35   $  
116.74  

 $  115.90  

12032 Intermediate repair  $  316.13   $  313.02   $  327.69   $  
335.03  

 $  340.59  

11900 Intralesional injection  $     57.57   $     56.85   $     58.34   $     
62.26  

 $     62.50  

77401 Radiation treatment 
delivery 

 $     43.97   $     25.14   $     26.52   $     
27.63  

 $     27.69  

11602 Excision of malignant 
lesion 

 $  253.67   $  255.81   $  267.46   $  
275.50  

 $  278.89  

13121 Complex repair (scalp, 
arm, legs)  

 $  445.59   $  446.03   $  464.45   $  
473.17  

 $  479.83  

96900 Ultraviolet light therapy  $     23.73   $     22.96   $     23.10   $     
22.96  

 $     23.33  

77280 Set radiation therapy field  $  289.61   $  286.05   $  297.01   $  
310.52  

 $  307.37  

11301 Shave skin lesion 0.6-1.0 
cm 

 $  127.71   $  125.72   $  128.80   $  
133.08  

 $  135.29  

69100 Biopsy of external ear  $  101.54   $  101.67   $  105.69   $  
111.68  

 $  113.13  

 
 

 
Evaluation and Management 

HCPCS Code Description 2021 2020 2019 2018       2017 

99201 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (10 minutes) 

 Not 
Available  

 $     47.01   $     48.87   $     
49.03  

 $     49.05  

99202 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (20 minutes) 

 $     73.97   $     77.98   $     81.44   $     
82.49  

 $     83.46  

99203 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (30-44 minutes) 

 $  113.75   $  110.41   $  115.54   $  
118.68  

 $  120.65  

99204 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (45-59 minutes) 

 $  169.93   $  168.72   $  175.40   $  
180.94  

 $  183.16  

99205 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (60-74 minutes) 

 $  224.36   $  213.17   $  220.48   $  
227.64  

 $  230.62  

99211 Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (5 
minutes) 

 $     23.03   $     23.69   $     24.25   $     
23.74  

 $     22.55  

99212 Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (10 
minutes) 

 $     56.88   $     46.65   $     48.11   $     
48.25  

 $     48.65  



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(c) 2022 THE AUTHORS. Published by the National Society for Cutaneous Medicine. 129 

99213 Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (15 
minutes) 

 $     92.47   $     76.89   $     79.17   $     
80.16  

 $     81.49  

99214 Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (30-39 
minutes) 

 $  131.20   $  111.50   $  115.92   $  
118.29  

 $  119.86  

99215 Office/outpatient visit 
established (40-54 
minutes) 

 $  183.19   $  149.77   $  155.32   $  
159.54  

 $  161.40  

Top 20 Most Common Procedures 

HCPCS Code Description 2016 2015B 2015A 2014 2013 

17003 Destruction of 
premalignant lesion add-
on 

 $        6.47   $        6.74   $        6.71   $     
12.07  

 $        8.39  

17000 Destruction of 
premalignant lesion 

 $     76.46   $     78.81   $     78.41   $     
90.55  

 $  102.73  

11102 Tangential biopsy of skin  $  118.13   $  123.05   $  122.43   $  
123.31  

 $  131.23  

17110 Destruction of benign 
lesion.  

 $  126.63   $  131.47   $  130.83   $  
131.50  

 $  140.88  

11103 Tangential skin biopsy 
add-on 

 $     37.63   $     38.77   $     38.57   $     
39.24  

 $     40.25  

95044 Allergy patch testing  $        6.47   $        6.74   $        6.71   $        
6.46  

 $        7.12  

17004 Destruction of 
premalignant lesion add-
on 

 $  172.75   $  178.25   $  177.36   $  
182.03  

 $  213.00  

96910 Photochemotherapy with 
UV-B 

 $     81.51   $     84.71   $     84.28   $     
86.50  

 $     93.92  

13132 Complex repair (cheeks, 
chin, mouth, neck, axillae, 
genitalia, hands, feet) 

 $  546.16   $  566.79   $  563.96   $  
572.15  

 $  599.16  

17262 Destruction of malignant 
lesion 

 $  200.26   $  207.75   $  206.72   $  
209.11  

 $  220.54  

11104 Punch biopsy of skin 
lesion 

 $  118.13   $  123.05   $  122.43   $  
123.31  

 $  131.23  

12032 Intermediate repair  $  347.11   $  359.87   $  358.09   $  
362.61  

 $  384.48  

11900 Intralesional injection  $     63.51   $     65.74   $     65.41   $     
66.40  

 $     70.02  

77401 Radiation treatment 
delivery 

 $     27.51   $     24.44   $     24.32   $     
24.14  

 $     25.57  

11602 Excision of malignant 
lesion 

 $  284.01   $  294.14   $  292.68   $  
297.50  

 $  312.78  

13121 Complex repair (scalp, 
arm, legs)  

 $  489.51   $  506.94   $  504.42   $  
512.65  

 $  538.78  

96900 Ultraviolet light therapy  $     23.47   $     24.44   $     24.32   $     
24.58  

 $     27.26  

77280 Set radiation therapy field  $  311.91   $  319.85   $  318.25   $  
326.82  

 $  223.06  

11301 Shave skin lesion 0.6-1.0 
cm 

 $  136.74   $  142.44   $  141.72   $  
142.29  

 $  151.78  

69100 Biopsy of external ear  $  115.30   $  120.10   $  119.50   $  
120.30  

 $  127.88  

Evaluation and Management 

HCPCS Code Description 2016 2015B 2015A 2014      2013 

99201 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (10 minutes) 

 $     49.76   $     51.83   $     51.58   $     
52.18  

 $     54.09  



SKIN 
 

March 2022     Volume 6 Issue 2 
 

(c) 2022 THE AUTHORS. Published by the National Society for Cutaneous Medicine. 130 

99202 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (20 minutes) 

 $     84.96   $     88.49   $     88.05   $     
89.68  

 $     91.82  

99203 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (30-44 minutes) 

 $  122.99   $  128.53   $  127.89   $  
130.22  

 $  133.33  

99204 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (45-59 minutes) 

 $  187.71   $  195.53   $  194.55   $  
200.06  

 $  202.93  

99205 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (60-74 minutes) 

 $  235.45   $  245.67   $  244.45   $  
249.22  

 $  251.15  

99211 Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (5 
minutes) 

 $     22.65   $     23.60   $     23.48   $     
24.14  

 $     25.15  

99212 Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (10 
minutes) 

 $     49.35   $     51.83   $     51.58   $     
52.60  

 $     54.09  

99213 Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (15 
minutes) 

 $     82.94   $     85.96   $     85.54   $     
87.96  

 $     89.73  

99214 Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (30-39 
minutes) 

 $  122.18   $  127.69   $  127.05   $  
129.78  

 $  131.65  

99215 Office/outpatient visit 
established (40-54 
minutes) 

 $  164.65   $  172.35   $  171.50   $  
173.76  

 $  176.10  

Top 20 Most Common Procedures 

HCPCS Code Description 2012B 2012A 2011 
  

17003 Destruction of 
premalignant lesion add-
on 

 $        9.03   $        9.03   $        9.35  
  

17000 Destruction of 
premalignant lesion 

 $  102.29   $  102.29   $  104.07  
  

11102 Tangential biopsy of skin  $  131.09   $  131.09   $  133.87  
  

17110 Destruction of benign 
lesion.  

 $  140.11   $  140.11   $  141.88  
  

11103 Tangential skin biopsy 
add-on 

 $     41.26   $     41.26   $     42.70  
  

95044 Allergy patch testing  $        7.74   $        7.74   $        8.01  
  

17004 Destruction of 
premalignant lesion add-
on 

 $  217.04   $  217.04   $  225.03  
  

96910 Photochemotherapy with 
UV-B 

 $     91.11   $     91.11   $     90.72  
  

13132 Complex repair (cheeks, 
chin, mouth, neck, axillae, 
genitalia, hands, feet) 

 $  732.78   $  732.78   $  754.27  
  

17262 Destruction of malignant 
lesion 

 $  221.33   $  221.33   $  225.03  
  

11104 Punch biopsy of skin 
lesion 

 $  131.09   $  131.09   $  133.87  
  

12032 Intermediate repair  $  384.66   $  384.66   $  395.37  
  

11900 Intralesional injection  $     70.48   $     70.48   $     72.49  
  

77401 Radiation treatment 
delivery 

 $     27.93   $     27.93   $     33.35  
  

11602 Excision of malignant 
lesion 

 $  312.45   $  312.45   $  317.09  
  

13121 Complex repair (scalp, 
arm, legs)  

 $  560.44   $  560.44   $  574.15  
  

96900 Ultraviolet light therapy  $     27.07   $     27.07   $     27.13  
  



SKIN 
 

March 2022     Volume 6 Issue 2 
 

(c) 2022 THE AUTHORS. Published by the National Society for Cutaneous Medicine. 131 

77280 Set radiation therapy field  $  236.82   $  236.82   $  247.27  
  

11301 Shave skin lesion 0.6-1.0 
cm 

 $  117.76   $  117.76   $  120.08  
  

69100 Biopsy of external ear  $  129.79   $  129.79   $  134.76  
  

Evaluation and Management 

HCPCS Code Description 2012B 2012A 2011 
  

99201 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (10 minutes) 

 $     53.73   $     53.73   $     53.81  
  

99202 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (20 minutes) 

 $     91.54   $     91.54   $     92.95  
  

99203 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (30-44 minutes) 

 $  132.81   $  132.81   $  134.76  
  

99204 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (45-59 minutes) 

 $  202.86   $  202.86   $  207.24  
  

99205 Office/outpatient visit new 
patient (60-74 minutes) 

 $  251.85   $  251.85   $  257.94  
  

99211 Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (5 
minutes) 

 $     24.93   $     24.93   $     25.80  
  

99212 Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (10 
minutes) 

 $     53.73   $     53.73   $     54.26  
  

99213 Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (15 
minutes) 

 $     88.97   $     88.97   $     90.28  
  

99214 Office/outpatient visit 
established patient (30-
39 minutes) 

 $  131.52   $  131.52   $  133.87  
  

99215 Office/outpatient visit 
established (40-54 
minutes) 

 $  176.65   $  176.65   $  180.11  
  

  Prior to 2019 all biopsy codes (red) were classified as 11100 for single lesion and 11101 for 
add-on 

 
Conflict of Interest Disclosures: None 
 
Funding: None 
 
Corresponding Author: 
Kyle C. Lauck, MD 
6431 Fannin St 
Suite JJL 315 
Houston TX, 77030 
Email: kyle.c.lauck@uth.tmc.edu 

 
 
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10.1016/j.jaad.2021.04.059. Epub ahead of print. 
PMID: 33901570. 

2. Haglin JM, Eltorai AEM, Richter KR, Jogerst K, 
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2020 Jan;271(1):17-22. doi: 

10.1097/SLA.0000000000003289. PMID: 
30921048. 

3. Dominguez JL, Ederaine SA, Haglin JM, Aragon 
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Sternberg P Jr. Changes in Medicare 
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