How To Use CPT Code 14350

CPT code 14350 describes the procedure of filleted finger or toe flap, including the preparation of the recipient site. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 14350?

CPT 14350 is a code used to describe the procedure of filleted finger or toe flap, including the preparation of the recipient site. This procedure involves replacing the affected site with a flap taken from a finger or toe, which helps the affected site regain its function.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 14350 is: ‘Filleted finger or toe flap, including preparation of recipient site.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure, the healthcare provider first preps and anesthetizes the patient. Then, using a scalpel, the provider excises a flap from the healthy tissues at the donor site, which can be a finger or toe. The recipient site is cleaned, and the flap is placed over it and sutured into place. For example, in the case of a toe fillet flap, the provider incises the skin of the toe, carefully maintaining the blood vessels to ensure proper blood supply to the flap. The bones, tendons, and nail are removed, and the flap is transferred to cover the wounds. The provider then sutures the wound in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 14350 is performed when there is a need to replace a damaged or nonfunctioning part of the body with a filleted finger or toe flap. This procedure is typically used in cases where the affected site requires reconstruction or restoration of function. The patient must be appropriately prepped and anesthetized, and the healthcare provider must determine that a filleted finger or toe flap is the most suitable option for the recipient site.

5. When to use CPT code 14350

CPT code 14350 should be used when the healthcare provider performs the procedure of filleted finger or toe flap, including the preparation of the recipient site. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description of the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 14350, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the filleted finger or toe flap procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the specific finger or toe used as the donor site
• Date of the procedure
• Preparation and anesthesia provided to the patient
• Description of the recipient site and the preparation performed
• Details of the flap placement and suturing
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same session
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 14350, ensure that the procedure performed meets the criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to accurately report the details of the procedure and provide the necessary documentation to support the claim. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 14350 with other codes, as it is a standalone procedure code.

8. Historical information

CPT 14350 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 14350

There are several similar codes to CPT 14350 that describe adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement procedures on the integumentary system. Some examples include:

• CPT 14301: Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, forehead, cheeks, chin, mouth, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, and/or feet
• CPT 14302: Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, eyelids, nose, ears, and/or lips
• CPT 14350: Filleted finger or toe flap, including preparation of recipient site
• CPT 14351: Filleted finger or toe flap, including preparation of recipient site; each additional digit (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
• CPT 14352: Filleted finger or toe flap, including preparation of recipient site; with microvascular anastomosis (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

9. Examples

1. A patient with a severe finger injury undergoes a filleted finger flap procedure to reconstruct the damaged area and restore function.
2. A patient with a nonhealing wound on their toe undergoes a filleted toe flap procedure to promote healing and restore tissue integrity.
3. A patient with a traumatic injury to their hand requires a filleted finger flap procedure to replace damaged tissue and improve hand function.
4. A patient with a chronic ulcer on their foot undergoes a filleted toe flap procedure to close the wound and prevent further complications.
5. A patient with a congenital deformity of their finger undergoes a filleted finger flap procedure to correct the deformity and improve hand function.
6. A patient with a tumor on their toe undergoes a filleted toe flap procedure to remove the tumor and reconstruct the affected area.
7. A patient with a severe burn on their hand requires a filleted finger flap procedure to replace damaged tissue and promote healing.
8. A patient with a nonhealing wound on their finger undergoes a filleted finger flap procedure to close the wound and restore tissue integrity.
9. A patient with a traumatic injury to their foot requires a filleted toe flap procedure to reconstruct the damaged area and improve foot function.
10. A patient with a chronic ulcer on their finger undergoes a filleted finger flap procedure to promote healing and prevent further complications.