How To Use CPT Code 0480T

CPT 0480T describes the fractional ablative laser fenestration of burn and traumatic scars for functional improvement in infants and children. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0480T?

CPT 0480T can be used to report the fractional ablative laser fenestration of burn and traumatic scars in infants and children. This code is used to indicate the creation of openings or windows (fenestrations) in scars using a fractional ablative laser technique to improve functionality. It should be reported for each additional 100 cm2 or 1 percent of body surface area (BSA) treated.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0480T is: ‘Fractional ablative laser fenestration of burn and traumatic scars for functional improvement; each additional 100 cm2, or each additional 1% of body surface area of infants and children, or part thereof (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with code 0479T and should only be reported once per day.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is prepped and the area to be treated is anesthetized.
2. The provider uses a fractional ablative laser technique to create openings or fenestrations in the burn or traumatic scar.
3. The fractional ablative laser targets small portions 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 drain 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 closes the wound in a single layer.
7. Report CPT code 0480T for each additional 100 cm2 or 1 percent of BSA treated in infants and children.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 0480T is used for infants and children with burn and traumatic scars that require fractional ablative laser fenestration for functional improvement. The procedure is performed by a provider using a fractional ablative laser technique. It is important to note that this code should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code.

5. When to use CPT code 0480T

CPT code 0480T should be used when the provider performs fractional ablative laser fenestration of burn and traumatic scars in infants and children. It is important to report this code for each additional 100 cm2 or 1 percent of BSA treated. This code should be used in conjunction with code 0479T.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0480T, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis indicating the need for fractional ablative laser fenestration
• Description of the procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Size of the area treated in cm2 or percentage of BSA
• Any additional relevant information, such as specimen submission or closure technique

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0480T, ensure that the procedure is performed on infants and children and that the fractional ablative laser fenestration is done for functional improvement. This code should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code (0479T). It is important to note that CPT code 0480T should only be reported once per day.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0480T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. An infant with burn scars on their arm undergoes fractional ablative laser fenestration to improve functionality.
2. A child with traumatic scars on their leg receives fractional ablative laser fenestration to enhance mobility.
3. An infant with burn scars on their face undergoes fractional ablative laser fenestration to improve facial expressions.
4. A child with traumatic scars on their abdomen receives fractional ablative laser fenestration to alleviate discomfort.
5. An infant with burn scars on their back undergoes fractional ablative laser fenestration to improve range of motion.
6. A child with traumatic scars on their hand receives fractional ablative laser fenestration to enhance dexterity.
7. An infant with burn scars on their chest undergoes fractional ablative laser fenestration to improve breathing.
8. A child with traumatic scars on their neck receives fractional ablative laser fenestration to improve swallowing.
9. An infant with burn scars on their scalp undergoes fractional ablative laser fenestration to improve hair growth.
10. A child with traumatic scars on their foot receives fractional ablative laser fenestration to improve walking ability.