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CPT code 17286: Lesion destruction, facial site, over 4 cm2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in North Carolina

Reports destruction of a malignant lesion over 4 cm on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, or lips using a destructive treatment method.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality944 Medicare services in 2024

In North Carolina, Medicare pays $333.72 for 17286 in the office and $214.68 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.

$333.72Office (non-facility)
$214.68Hospital or facility
−5.2%vs the national office rate ($352.05)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 17286 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

We’ll open 17286 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in North Carolina
  2. What 17286 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 17286 covers

This service treats a malignant skin lesion in the face, ear, eyelid, nose, or lip region by destroying the lesion rather than removing it as an excision specimen. Methods may include electrosurgery, cryosurgery, laser treatment, or chemical destruction. Dermatologists and other qualified physicians commonly perform it in an office procedure room; it may also be performed in a facility. A biopsy may establish the diagnosis before treatment, since destruction itself does not provide an intact specimen for pathologic examination.

Select the code by the specified anatomic group and the lesion diameter; this code is for a lesion over 4.0 cm. Document the malignant diagnosis, treated site, size, and method. Related postoperative visits during the 10-day global period are included. When multiple procedures are performed in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard 50% multiple-procedure reduction. Modifier 50 is not appropriate for this service. Medicare does not pay an assistant at surgery for it, and co-surgeon and team-surgery billing are not permitted.

This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.

How North Carolina compares for 17286

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 17286 runs from $317.70 in Arkansas to $445.27 in San Benito County, CA. North Carolina pays $333.72. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

17286 in North Carolina vs other payment areas
  1. North Carolina · this page$333.72
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$387.77+$54.05
  3. Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$395.61+$61.89
  4. Miami, FL · Florida$383.36+$49.64
  5. Chicago, IL · Illinois$373.92+$40.20
  6. Manhattan, NY · New York$401.29+$67.57
  7. Alaska · Alaska$430.52+$96.80

Other areas in North Carolina first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

17286 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
AlabamaAlabama$321.54$209.89
ArkansasArkansas$317.70$208.10
ArizonaArizona$343.92$220.28
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$367.12$227.28
Chico, CACalifornia$365.71$225.87
El Centro, CACalifornia$365.78$225.94
Fresno, CACalifornia$365.71$225.87
Hanford, CACalifornia$365.71$225.87

17286 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

MEWIVTNHMTNDMNMINYMARIWAIDWYSDIAILINOHPANJCTORNVUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDECAAZNMKSOKARTNNCSCDCTXLAMSALGAFLAKHI

Explore a state

Local rates. Clear comparisons.

Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.

$317.70

$430.52

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
17286 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$430.521
AL$321.541
AR$317.701
AZ$343.921
CA$365.71–$445.2729
CO$362.641
CT$372.881
DC$395.611
DE$348.931
FL$351.38–$383.363
GA$334.40–$358.622
GU$371.711
HI$371.711
IA$326.571
ID$328.691
IL$344.10–$373.924
IN$330.231
KS$326.121
KY$329.571
LA$329.47–$342.882
MA$361.37–$393.342
MD$354.53–$395.613
ME$330.98–$344.662
MI$337.43–$355.912
MN$346.761
MO$325.33–$342.923
MS$321.531
MT$352.011
NC$333.721
ND$342.921
NE$327.801
NH$357.941
NJ$376.92–$392.802
NM$339.301
NV$349.671
NY$337.95–$410.605
OH$335.581
OK$328.211
OR$346.72–$371.622
PA$335.56–$365.462
PR$353.911
RI$359.451
SC$335.251
SD$341.841
TN$327.581
TX$333.79–$361.658
UT$339.041
VA$344.29–$395.612
VI$353.911
VT$342.551
WA$360.38–$399.832
WI$333.401
WV$333.681
WY$348.051

See 17286 in every payment locality

How the 17286 rate is calculated

Each of 17286’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.

How the rate is built · 17286

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work4.37

4.37 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense5.71

5.71 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.46

0.46 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

10.5400

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$352.05

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact North Carolina inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

1,645

Code
17286
Physician work
4.37
Practice expense
5.71
Malpractice
0.46

GPCI2026.csv

83

Locality
North Carolina
Physician work
1.000
Practice expense
0.933
Malpractice
0.639
Office calculation for 17286 in North Carolina
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work4.37× 1.0004.3700
Practice expense5.71× 0.9335.3274
Malpractice0.46× 0.6390.2939
Total RVUs9.9914
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, North Carolina$333.72

Office: (4.37 × 1 + 5.71 × 0.933 + 0.46 × 0.639) × $33.4009 = $333.72

Facility: (4.37 × 1 + 1.89 × 0.933 + 0.46 × 0.639) × $33.4009 = $214.68

Open 17286 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 17286

17286 has a 10-day global period: related visits in that window are included in the surgery payment.

CMS payment indicators · 17286

Lesion destruction, facial site, over 4 cm

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global period010Minor procedure: the day of the procedure plus 10 days after are included.
Multiple procedures2Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%.
Bilateral (modifier 50)0The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)1Not paid (statutory restriction).
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical0Physician service: no professional/technical split.
Split (54/55/56)0.10/0.80/0.10Share of the payment for pre-op, the procedure itself, and post-op care.

Global surgery period · 17286

Lesion destruction, facial site, over 4 cm

10-day global period ends

Oct 11, 2026

Covers Oct 1, 2026 through Oct 11, 2026 (11 days).

Visit on Oct 31, 2026

After the global period ends: visits and procedures are billed normally.

SurgeryVisit
Sep 28, 2026Oct 14, 2026

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier 51 · payment effect

With and without the modifier

17286 without 51 · national office

$352.05

Lesion destruction, facial site, over 4 cm

17286-51 · Second procedure: 50%

$176.03

When this isn’t the highest-valued procedure in the session, Medicare pays 50% of its fee schedule amount (the highest is paid at 100%).

When to use modifier 51

Codes related to 17286

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

Codes related to 17286
CodeHow it relatesOffice range, North Carolina
Same family
17284Malignant lesion destruction, face and related sites, 3.1–4 cmSame facial-site group; for a lesion measuring 3.1 to 4.0 cm.$257.41
17283Lesion destruction, face or similar site, 2.1–3.0 cmSame facial-site group; for a lesion measuring 2.1 to 3.0 cm.$224.98
17276Skin lesion destruction, specified sites, over 4 cmSame size range, but for the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia group.$264.28
17266Lesion destruction, trunk or extremity, over 4 cmSame size range, but for the trunk, arms, or legs group.$217.98
Used instead
11646Malignant lesion excision, face and related sites, over 4 cmExcision may be selected instead when the malignant facial lesion is removed with margins rather than destroyed.$485.17

How 17286 has changed in North Carolina

17286 · Office / nonfacility

$333.72

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $5.22 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $328.50 to $333.72 (1.6%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.

What changed, release by release

  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $328.50changed to$333.72

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work RVU 4.48 changed to 4.37
    • Practice expense RVU 5.77 changed to 5.71
    • Malpractice RVU 0.50 changed to 0.46
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.926 changed to 0.933
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.665 changed to 0.639

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $335.85changed to$328.50

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
    • Practice expense RVU 5.72 changed to 5.77
    • Malpractice RVU 0.47 changed to 0.50

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $330.37changed to$335.85

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $340.55changed to$330.37

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 5.64 changed to 5.72
    • Malpractice RVU 0.46 changed to 0.47
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.927 changed to 0.926
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.742 changed to 0.665

  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $345.14changed to$340.55

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 5.54 changed to 5.64
    • Malpractice RVU 0.43 changed to 0.46
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.928 changed to 0.927
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.819 changed to 0.742

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $347.64changed to$345.14

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 5.52 changed to 5.54
    • Malpractice RVU 0.44 changed to 0.43

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $350.06changed to$347.64

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 5.23 changed to 5.52
    • Malpractice RVU 0.47 changed to 0.44
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.930 changed to 0.928
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.757 changed to 0.819

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $348.69changed to$350.06

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 5.11 changed to 5.23
    • Malpractice RVU 0.63 changed to 0.47
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.931 changed to 0.930
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.695 changed to 0.757

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $346.79changed to$348.69

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 5.05 changed to 5.11
    • Malpractice RVU 0.65 changed to 0.63

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $346.45changed to$346.79

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 5.03 changed to 5.05
    • Malpractice RVU 0.67 changed to 0.65
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.732 changed to 0.695

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $345.98changed to$346.45

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Practice expense RVU 5.02 changed to 5.03
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.930 changed to 0.931
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.768 changed to 0.732

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $346.80changed to$345.98

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Practice expense RVU 5.04 changed to 5.02
    • Malpractice RVU 0.63 changed to 0.67

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $345.07changed to$346.80

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $341.34changed to$345.07

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Practice expense RVU 4.93 changed to 5.04
    • Malpractice RVU 0.64 changed to 0.63
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.929 changed to 0.930
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.732 changed to 0.768

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $344.89changed to$341.34

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 5.60 changed to 4.93
    • Malpractice RVU 0.67 changed to 0.64
    • Practice expense GPCI 0.927 changed to 0.929
    • Malpractice GPCI 0.695 changed to 0.732

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $344.89

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$333.72$214.68RVU26D
2026-07-01$333.72$214.68RVU26C
2026-04-01$333.72$214.68RVU26B
2026-01-01$333.72$214.68RVU26A
2025-10-01$328.50$251.82RVU25D
2025-07-01$328.50$251.82RVU25C
2025-04-01$328.50$251.82RVU25B
2025-01-01$328.50$251.82RVU25A
2024-10-01$335.85$255.09RVU24D
2024-07-01$335.85$255.09RVU24C
2024-04-01$335.85$255.09RVU24B
2024-03-09$335.85$255.09RVU24AR
2024-01-01$330.37$250.92RVU24A
2023-10-01$340.55$257.94RVU23D
2023-07-01$340.55$257.94RVU23C
2023-04-01$340.55$257.94RVU23B
2023-01-01$340.55$257.94RVU23A
2022-10-01$345.14$260.36RVU22D
2022-07-01$345.14$260.36RVU22C
2022-04-01$345.14$260.36RVU22B
2022-01-01$345.14$260.36RVU22A
2021-10-01$347.64$263.45RVU21D
2021-07-01$347.64$263.45RVU21C
2021-04-01$347.64$263.45RVU21B
2021-01-01$347.64$263.45RVU21A
2020-10-01$350.06$272.19RVU20D
2020-07-01$350.06$272.19RVU20C
2020-04-01$350.06$272.19RVU20B
2020-01-01$350.06$272.19RVU20A
2019-10-01$348.69$275.21RVU19D
2019-07-01$348.69$275.21RVU19C
2019-04-01$348.69$275.21RVU19B
2019-01-01$348.69$275.21RVU19A
2018-10-01$346.79$276.08RVU18D
2018-07-01$346.79$276.08RVU18C
2018-04-01$346.79$276.08RVU18B
2018-01-01$346.79$276.08RVU18AR1
2017-10-01$346.45$277.28RVU17D
2017-07-01$346.45$277.28RVU17C
2017-04-01$346.45$277.28RVU17B
2017-01-01$346.45$277.28RVU17A
2016-10-01$345.98$276.72RVU16D
2016-07-01$345.98$276.72RVU16C
2016-04-01$345.98$276.72RVU16B
2016-01-01$345.98$276.72RVU16A
2015-10-01$346.80$278.29RVU15D
2015-07-01$346.80$278.29RVU15C
2015-04-01$345.07$276.90RVU15B
2015-01-01$345.07$276.90RVU15A
2014-10-01$341.34$274.11RVU14D
2014-07-01$341.34$274.11RVU14C
2014-04-01$341.34$274.11RVU14B
2014-01-01$341.34$274.11RVU14A
2013-10-01$344.89$273.29RVU13D
2013-07-01$344.89$273.29RVU13C
2013-04-01$344.89$273.29RVU13B
2013-01-01$344.89$273.29RVU13AR

Price 17286 for an earlier date of service

Where the North Carolina rate applies

North Carolina is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 785 cities and communities in North Carolina. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Aberdeen
  • Advance
  • Ahoskie
  • Alamance
  • Albemarle
  • Alexis
  • Alliance
  • Altamahaw

Browse all communities in North Carolina

17286 billing questions

How is this code distinguished from 17284?

Both codes concern destruction of a malignant lesion in the face, ear, eyelid, nose, or lip group. Use 17286 when the lesion diameter is over 4.0 cm; 17284 is for the 3.1-to-4.0 cm range.

When would 17276 be more appropriate?

17276 is for a malignant lesion over 4.0 cm in its separate anatomic group, including the scalp, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia. Choose by the treated site, not size alone.

Can destruction and a biopsy be reported together?

A separately performed diagnostic biopsy may be reported when it is distinct from the destruction and the documentation supports it. Destruction does not itself provide a specimen for histologic examination.

Should modifier 50 be used for lesions on both sides?

No. Modifier 50 is not appropriate for this service. Document each treated site and lesion so the reported service reflects the actual treatment.

How are other procedures in the same session paid?

CMS applies the standard multiple-procedure reduction: the highest-valued procedure is paid in full, and other procedures performed in that session are paid at 50%.

Are postoperative visits included?

Related postoperative visits during the 10-day global period are included in the procedure payment.

Where these rates come from

FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.

CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027

Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
RVUs for 17286PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 1,645 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for North CarolinaGPCI2026.csv, line 83 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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