Electrodessication with curettage (ED&C) Measurement
Question:
Good Afternoon, please clarify how lesions are measured for the destruction of malignant lesion codes 17260-17286. Is the code selection based on the size of the lesion before or after the curettage?
We are unable to find guidance from AMA or CMS. Our provider is stating that it is based on the size after curettage and basing it on this article at this link:
www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/thederm/site/cathlab/event/size-matters#:~:text=Size After Curettage, but Before,a 1.5 cm/d measurement.
Answer:
For destruction of malignant lesion codes 17260-17286, the code selection is based on the size of the lesion AFTER curettage, but BEFORE electrodesiccation.
Destruction of malignant lesions (CPT codes 17260 to 17286) is selected based on the lesion size after curettage, but before electrodesiccation. This timing is important because:
Initial clinical appearance may be misleading - The lesion might appear to be a certain size clinically, but curettage helps visualize the true extent of the malignant tissue.
Curettage reveals actual lesion boundaries - After curettage, the physician can better assess the actual diameter of the lesion that needs to be destroyed.
Before electrodesiccation - The measurement should be taken after curettage but before the electrodesiccation (destruction) process begins, as the destruction process itself would alter the lesion size.
*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/20/25.
