How To Use CPT Code 15777

CPT 15777 refers to the implantation of a biologic implant for soft tissue reinforcement in breast or trunk procedures. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 15777.

1. What is CPT 15777?

CPT 15777 is a medical billing code used to describe the implantation of a biologic implant, such as an acellular dermal matrix, for soft tissue reinforcement during breast or trunk procedures. This code is an add-on code, meaning it must be reported in conjunction with a primary procedure code.

2. 15777 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 15777 is: “Implantation of biologic implant (eg, acellular dermal matrix) for soft tissue reinforcement (ie, breast, trunk) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)”.

3. Procedure

The 15777 CPT code procedure involves the following steps:

1. At the same session as a breast or trunk soft tissue procedure, the provider prepares a biologic implant as required, e.g. hydration, shaping, etc.
2. The provider positions the implant in the proper location and manner to produce a scaffolding effect for tissue reinforcement.
3. The implant is attached, e.g., by suturing, to reinforce the soft tissue.
4. After the complete procedure is finished, the wound is closed and dressed in the usual manner.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 15777 services are those undergoing breast or trunk soft tissue procedures that require additional reinforcement with a biologic implant. This may include patients with weakened or damaged tissue due to factors such as aging, injury, or previous surgeries. The decision to use a biologic implant for reinforcement is typically made by the provider based on the patient’s individual needs and the specific procedure being performed.

5. When to use CPT code 15777

It is appropriate to bill the 15777 CPT code when a biologic implant is used for soft tissue reinforcement during a breast or trunk procedure. This code should be used in conjunction with the primary procedure code for the breast or trunk soft tissue procedure being performed. It is important to note that CPT 15777 is an add-on code and cannot be reported without an accompanying primary code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15777, the following information should be documented in the patient’s medical record:

• A detailed description of the breast or trunk soft tissue procedure performed, including the primary procedure code.
• A clear explanation of the need for soft tissue reinforcement with a biologic implant, including the specific type of implant used (e.g., acellular dermal matrix).
• A step-by-step description of the implantation process, including the preparation, positioning, and attachment of the implant.
• Any additional information relevant to the patient’s individual circumstances, such as previous surgeries or medical conditions that may have contributed to the need for soft tissue reinforcement.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 15777, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Report CPT 15777 as an add-on code in conjunction with the primary procedure code for the breast or trunk soft tissue procedure.
• For bilateral breast procedures, report CPT 15777 twice. Do not use modifier 50 in conjunction with this code.
• For implantation of biologic implants in tissues other than breast and trunk, use CPT 17999.
• For topical application of skin substitute graft to a wound surface, see CPT codes 15271-15278.
• The supply of the biologic implant should be reported separately in conjunction with CPT 15777.

8. Historical information

CPT 15777 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2012. The code descriptor was changed on January 1, 2014, from “Implantation of biologic implant (eg, acellular dermal matrix) for soft tissue reinforcement (eg, breast, trunk) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)” to its current description.

9. Similar codes to CPT 15777

Five similar codes to CPT 15777 and how they differentiate are:

1. CPT 15770: This code is used for grafting of autologous soft tissue, other than face and scalp, harvested by direct excision.
2. CPT 15771: This code is used for grafting of autologous fat harvested by liposuction technique to the face, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, and/or feet.
3. CPT 15772: This code is used for grafting of autologous fat harvested by liposuction technique to the breast.
4. CPT 15773: This code is used for grafting of autologous fat harvested by liposuction technique to the trunk.
5. CPT 15774: This code is used for grafting of autologous fat harvested by liposuction technique to the upper extremity.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 15777 procedures:

1. A patient undergoing a breast reconstruction procedure following a mastectomy, where a biologic implant is used to reinforce the soft tissue.
2. A patient undergoing a breast reduction surgery, where a biologic implant is used to provide additional support to the remaining breast tissue.
3. A patient undergoing a breast augmentation procedure, where a biologic implant is used to reinforce the soft tissue and provide a more natural appearance.
4. A patient undergoing a breast lift procedure, where a biologic implant is used to provide additional support to the lifted breast tissue.
5. A patient undergoing a chest wall reconstruction procedure following a traumatic injury, where a biologic implant is used to reinforce the soft tissue and provide additional support.
6. A patient undergoing a trunk soft tissue procedure to repair a hernia, where a biologic implant is used to reinforce the soft tissue and prevent recurrence.
7. A patient undergoing a breast reconstruction procedure following radiation therapy, where a biologic implant is used to reinforce the damaged soft tissue.
8. A patient undergoing a breast reconstruction procedure following a lumpectomy, where a biologic implant is used to provide additional support to the remaining breast tissue.
9. A patient undergoing a trunk soft tissue procedure to repair a diastasis recti, where a biologic implant is used to reinforce the soft tissue and provide additional support.
10. A patient undergoing a breast reconstruction procedure following a previous implant removal, where a biologic implant is used to reinforce the soft tissue and provide a more natural appearance.