How To Use CPT Code 15115

CPT code 15115 describes the harvesting and placement of an epidermal autograft on various parts of the body, such as the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits. 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 15115?

CPT code 15115 is used to describe the procedure of harvesting and placing an epidermal autograft on specific areas of the body. This code covers the first 100 square centimeters or less of an adult patient, or 1% of the body area of an infant or child. The procedure involves the transplantation of a thin layer of epidermis from a donor site to a recipient burn or wound on the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15115 is: ‘Epidermal autograft, face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits first 100 sq cm or less, or 1% of body area of infants and children.’

3. Procedure

1. The procedure begins with the use of a dermatome to harvest a thin layer of epidermis from a donor site.
2. The harvested epidermis, which is typically 0.004 to 0.006 inches in depth, is then transplanted from the donor site to the recipient burn or wound on the specified areas of the body.
3. This procedure is usually the second stage of a two-step process, following the temporary closure of the burn or wound site with an acellular dermal replacement matrix.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 15115 is applicable when there is a need to perform an epidermal autograft on the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits. The size of the graft should be within the first 100 square centimeters or less for adult patients, or 1% of the body area for infants and children.

5. When to use CPT code 15115

CPT code 15115 should be used when performing an epidermal autograft on the specified areas of the body, as described in the official description. It is important to ensure that the size of the graft falls within the specified limits for adult patients or infants and children. This code should not be used for grafts exceeding the specified size or for grafts performed on other areas of the body.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 15115, the following documentation is required:

• Documentation of the specific areas of the body where the epidermal autograft was performed
• Measurement of the size of the graft, ensuring it falls within the specified limits
• Description of the donor site and the method used for harvesting the epidermis
• Documentation of the recipient burn or wound site and the temporary closure method used
• Date of the procedure and the start and end times
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 15115, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. This code should not be reported with other codes unless the additional codes represent distinct and separate procedures performed during the same encounter. It is crucial to follow the guidelines provided by the payer and accurately document the procedure to support the billing claim.

8. Historical information

CPT code 15115 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with burns on their face and hands undergoes an epidermal autograft procedure using CPT code 15115.
2. An infant with a small wound on their scalp receives an epidermal autograft using CPT code 15115.
3. A child with a burn on their genitalia undergoes an epidermal autograft procedure using CPT code 15115.
4. A patient with multiple digit injuries on their hand receives an epidermal autograft using CPT code 15115.
5. A burn patient with wounds on their eyelids and mouth undergoes an epidermal autograft procedure using CPT code 15115.
6. A patient with a scalp injury receives an epidermal autograft using CPT code 15115.
7. An individual with burns on their feet undergoes an epidermal autograft procedure using CPT code 15115.