How To Use CPT Code 14301

CPT 14301 refers to adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement for defects between 30.1 sq cm and 60.0 sq cm. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use the code, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 14301 procedures.

1. What is CPT 14301?

CPT 14301 is a medical billing code used to describe a specific type of surgical procedure involving the transfer or rearrangement of adjacent tissue to repair a defect in any area of the body. The code is applicable for defects ranging from 30.1 square centimeters to 60.0 square centimeters in size.

2. 14301 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 14301 is: “Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, any area; defect 30.1 sq cm to 60.0 sq cm.”

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider clearly demarcates the exact area of the defect on the skin.
3. Adjacent tissue transfer (ATT) is performed by relocating a flap of adjacent normal, healthy tissue into the damaged area.
4. The provider carries out the excision of the area he has marked.
5. A flap is raised from the adjacent healthy tissue.
6. The provider fixes this flap into the area of primary or secondary integumentary defect.
7. The provider ensures that bleeding is stopped and applies a clean dressing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 14301 services are those with skin defects ranging from 30.1 sq cm to 60.0 sq cm in size, requiring adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement for repair. The defects can be located in any area of the body and may result from various causes, such as trauma, surgical excision, or chronic wounds. The patient’s medical history, overall health, and the location and size of the defect will determine the appropriateness of using CPT 14301 for the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 14301

It is appropriate to bill CPT 14301 when the provider performs an adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement procedure to repair a defect in any area of the body, with the defect size ranging from 30.1 sq cm to 60.0 sq cm. The code should be used when the procedure involves the transfer of healthy tissue from an adjacent site to cover the defect, and the provider follows the steps outlined in the procedure section above.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 14301, the following information should be documented in the patient’s medical record:

• A detailed description of the defect, including its size, location, and cause.
• A clear explanation of the surgical procedure performed, including the steps taken and the type of tissue transfer or rearrangement used.
• Preoperative and postoperative photographs of the defect and the surgical site.
• Any complications encountered during the procedure and their management.
• Postoperative care instructions and follow-up appointments.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 14301, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Some key points to consider include:

• Lesion removal cannot be billed separately if the provider performs adjacent tissue transfer, as it is considered part of the tissue transfer procedure.
• If additional skin grafts are necessary to close secondary defects, they should be billed as separate procedures.
• For each additional 30.0 sq cm or part thereof, use code 14302, listed separately in addition to the primary procedure code (14301).

8. Historical information

CPT 14301 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 14301

Five similar codes to CPT 14301 and how they differ are:

• CPT 14300: This code is used for adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement procedures involving defects less than 30.0 sq cm.
• CPT 14302: This add-on code is used for each additional 30.0 sq cm or part thereof when billing for CPT 14301.
• CPT 14000-14061: These codes are used for excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue for skin defects, not involving adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement.
• CPT 15000-15261: These codes are used for skin graft procedures, which involve the transfer of skin from a donor site to a recipient site without the use of adjacent tissue.
• CPT 13100-13153: These codes are used for repair of skin defects using sutures or other closure techniques, not involving adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement.

10. Examples

1. A patient with a 35 sq cm defect on the thigh due to surgical excision of a malignant melanoma undergoes an adjacent tissue transfer using a rotational flap.
2. A patient with a 45 sq cm chronic wound on the lower leg requires an adjacent tissue transfer using an advancement flap for closure.
3. A patient with a 50 sq cm defect on the back following the removal of a large lipoma undergoes an adjacent tissue transfer using a V-Y plasty.
4. A patient with a 32 sq cm traumatic wound on the forearm requires an adjacent tissue transfer using a double pedicle flap for repair.
5. A patient with a 40 sq cm defect on the chest following the excision of a large basal cell carcinoma undergoes an adjacent tissue transfer using a W-plasty.
6. A patient with a 55 sq cm defect on the scalp due to the removal of a squamous cell carcinoma undergoes an adjacent tissue transfer using a Z-plasty.
7. A patient with a 38 sq cm defect on the abdomen following the excision of a large keloid scar undergoes an adjacent tissue transfer using a rotational flap.
8. A patient with a 60 sq cm chronic wound on the foot requires an adjacent tissue transfer using an advancement flap for closure.
9. A patient with a 42 sq cm defect on the buttock following the removal of a large cyst undergoes an adjacent tissue transfer using a V-Y plasty.
10. A patient with a 48 sq cm traumatic wound on the upper arm requires an adjacent tissue transfer using a double pedicle flap for repair.