How To Use CPT Code 15002

CPT code 15002 describes the surgical preparation or creation of a recipient site by excision of open wounds, burn eschar, or scar contracture on the trunk, arms, or legs. 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 15002?

CPT 15002 is a code used to describe the surgical preparation or creation of a recipient site by excision of open wounds, burn eschar, or scar contracture on the trunk, arms, or legs. This procedure is performed to prepare the site for a skin graft. The code is applicable for the first 100 square centimeters or 1% of body area for infants and children.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15002 is: ‘Surgical preparation or creation of recipient site by excision of open wounds, burn eschar, or scar (including subcutaneous tissues), or incisional release of scar contracture, trunk, arms, legs first 100 sq cm or 1% of body area of infants and children.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 15002 involves the surgical preparation or creation of a recipient site for a skin graft. The provider marks the open wound, burn eschar, or scar to be repaired and then makes an incision in the skin along with the subcutaneous tissue. This incision is made on the trunk, arms, or legs. The provider may further prepare the wound by scrubbing it to achieve a healthy tissue bed for immediate or future skin grafting. The bleeding is controlled, and the area is prepared for repair by skin grafting.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 15002 is applicable for patients with open wounds, burn eschar, or scar contracture on the trunk, arms, or legs. The procedure is performed to prepare the site for a skin graft. It is important to note that this code is applicable for the first 100 square centimeters or 1% of body area for infants and children.

5. When to use CPT code 15002

CPT code 15002 should be used when a provider performs the surgical preparation or creation of a recipient site by excision of open wounds, burn eschar, or scar contracture on the trunk, arms, or legs. This code is specifically for the first 100 square centimeters or 1% of body area for infants and children.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 15002, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for surgical preparation or creation of a recipient site
• Specific details of the procedure performed, including the location and size of the open wounds, burn eschar, or scar contracture
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional details or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 15002, ensure that the procedure performed meets the criteria described in the official description. This code should be reported for the first 100 square centimeters or 1% of body area for infants and children. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and documentation requirements for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 15002 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 15002

Five similar codes to CPT 15002 include:

• CPT 15003: This code is used for each additional 100 square centimeters, or part thereof, in patients 10 and older, or each additional 1% of body area for infants and children under 10.
• CPT 15004: This code is used for the surgical preparation or creation of a recipient site by excision of open wounds, burn eschar, or scar contracture on the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits.
• CPT 15005: This code is used for the surgical preparation or creation of a recipient site by excision of open wounds, burn eschar, or scar contracture on the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits, each additional 100 square centimeters, or part thereof, or each additional 1% of body area of infants and children.
• CPT 13100: This code is used for linear scar revision.
• CPT 13153: This code is used for complex repair of wounds of the scalp, axillae, trunk, and/or extremities (excluding hands and feet).

9. Examples

1. A patient with a large open wound on their leg requires surgical preparation of the recipient site for a skin graft.
2. A burn patient needs the surgical creation of a recipient site on their arm to prepare for a skin graft.
3. A patient with a scar contracture on their trunk requires incisional release to prepare the site for a skin graft.
4. An individual with a deep open wound on their abdomen needs surgical preparation of the recipient site for a skin graft.
5. A child with a burn eschar on their leg requires the surgical creation of a recipient site for a skin graft.
6. A patient with a scar contracture on their arm needs incisional release to prepare the site for a skin graft.
7. An individual with a large open wound on their back requires surgical preparation of the recipient site for a skin graft.
8. A burn patient needs the surgical creation of a recipient site on their leg to prepare for a skin graft.
9. A patient with a scar contracture on their leg requires incisional release to prepare the site for a skin graft.
10. An individual with a deep open wound on their arm needs surgical preparation of the recipient site for a skin graft.