CPT Code 56605: Vulva or Perineum Biopsy, One Lesion

Yes. The 56605 CPT code is frequently used when evaluating vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) or during a workup for suspected vulvar cancer. A vulvar biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis, especially in cases involving postmenopausal bleeding, lesions, or persistent vulvar pain.

Bill 56605 for the first vulvar or perineal lesion biopsied, and use 56606 for each additional lesion—report per lesion, not per sample. Medicaid services recognize these specific codes and adhere to the American Medical Association’s current procedural terminology guidelines.

No. Local anesthesia is considered part of a separate procedure and is bundled into the 56605 CPT code. You should not bill separately for lidocaine or similar anesthetics used during the tissue biopsy.