How To Use CPT Code 0479T

CPT 0479T describes the fractional ablative laser fenestration of burn and traumatic scars for functional improvement. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0479T?

CPT 0479T can be used to report the fractional ablative laser fenestration of burn and traumatic scars for functional improvement. This code is used when the provider creates openings or windows (fenestrations) in the scars using a fractional ablative laser technique. It is important to note that this code is specifically for the first 100 cm2 in adults or 1 percent of body surface area (BSA) in infants and children.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0479T is: ‘Fractional ablative laser fenestration of burn and traumatic scars for functional improvement; first 100 cm2 or part thereof, or 1% of body surface area of infants and children.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and the area is anesthetized.
2. The provider uses a fractional ablative laser technique to create openings or fenestrations in the burn or traumatic scar wounds.
3. The fractional ablative laser focuses the light to target a small portion of the scar at a time, making it less destructive than standard laser ablation techniques.
4. Once the scar tissue is destroyed, an opening is created to surgically drain off any fluid below the scar or created during the fractional ablation.
5. The provider may submit the specimen to a laboratory for analysis.
6. The provider checks for bleeding and then closes the wound in a single layer.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0479T is used for patients with burn and traumatic scars that require functional improvement. The procedure is performed on the first 100 cm2 in adults or 1 percent of body surface area in infants and children. It is important to note that this code is specific to fractional ablative laser fenestration and should not be used for other types of scar treatments.

5. When to use CPT code 0479T

CPT code 0479T should be used when the provider performs fractional ablative laser fenestration on burn and traumatic scars for functional improvement. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed on the first 100 cm2 in adults or 1 percent of body surface area in infants and children. If additional areas are treated, report CPT code 0480T in addition to 0479T for the primary procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0479T, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for functional improvement of burn or traumatic scars
• Specific details of the fractional ablative laser fenestration procedure
• Size of the area treated (first 100 cm2 or 1 percent of body surface area)
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed, such as specimen submission or wound closure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0479T, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for fractional ablative laser fenestration of burn and traumatic scars for functional improvement. It is important to report additional areas treated with CPT code 0480T in addition to 0479T. Take note of any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of these codes.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0479T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs fractional ablative laser fenestration on a burn scar measuring 80 cm2 in an adult patient for functional improvement.
2. An infant with a traumatic scar covering 2% of their body surface area undergoes fractional ablative laser fenestration for functional improvement.
3. A child with burn scars on their arms and legs receives fractional ablative laser fenestration on the first 100 cm2 for functional improvement.
4. A provider performs fractional ablative laser fenestration on a facial traumatic scar measuring 1.5% of the patient’s body surface area for functional improvement.
5. An adult patient with burn scars on their back undergoes fractional ablative laser fenestration on the first 100 cm2 for functional improvement.
6. A provider performs fractional ablative laser fenestration on a traumatic scar measuring 90 cm2 in an adult patient for functional improvement.
7. An infant with a burn scar covering 0.5% of their body surface area receives fractional ablative laser fenestration for functional improvement.
8. A child with burn scars on their chest and abdomen undergoes fractional ablative laser fenestration on the first 100 cm2 for functional improvement.
9. A provider performs fractional ablative laser fenestration on a facial traumatic scar measuring 0.8% of the patient’s body surface area for functional improvement.
10. An adult patient with burn scars on their arms and legs receives fractional ablative laser fenestration on the first 100 cm2 for functional improvement.