MBS Item · Group T8 · Skin

Item 31365 — Malignant Skin Lesion Excision (<15mm)

Surgical excision (not by shave) and repair of a malignant skin lesion with necessary excision diameter under 15 mm, from a body area not covered by the special-site items.

Schedule fee (Jul 2026)
A$189.45
✓ Fee verified November 2026 · MBS Book, July 2026 edition
Category
Group T8 (surgical operations) · skin procedure

What item 31365 is used for

Use for surgical excision and repair of a basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (including keratoacanthoma), cutaneous lymphoma deposit or cutaneous metastasis from an internal malignancy — when the necessary excision diameter (lesion plus clinically appropriate margin) is less than 15 mm and the body site is NOT one of the special sites covered by items 31356, 31358, 31359, 31361 or 31363. Not for shave excision. Not in association with item 45201.

Source: MBS Book, July 2026 edition — item 31365 descriptor and explanatory notes TN.8.22 · TN.8.125. Verify the current descriptor and any restriction wording against MBS Online before billing.

Key points before billing

Malignancy must be confirmed
Confirmation of malignancy is required — by the excised specimen itself or by prior biopsy — before itemising.
Specimen to pathology
The excised specimen must be sent for histological examination.
Diameter is lesion + margin
The necessary excision diameter is the average of lesion width and length plus a clinically appropriate margin per NHMRC guidelines. Measure before excising.
Episode of care rule
An episode of care includes both the excision and the closure of the same defect, even when done at separate attendances.
Incomplete excision
An incomplete excision with curative intent is still billed as a malignant excision item, even when further surgery is needed.

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Item 31366 — Non-malignant skin lesion excision (<15 mm) Item 30071 — Diagnostic skin biopsy Item 30202 — Malignant lesion cryotherapy Item 30026 — Wound repair, small superficial (not face/neck) Item 30032 — Wound repair, small superficial (face/neck) Billing conflict checker
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General information only. Descriptor wording is a plain-English summary — always confirm current descriptor, restrictions, and co-claiming rules against the MBS Book before billing. Fee current at 1 July 2026; next indexation 1 July 2027. AskMyGP provides information, not billing or clinical advice.