How To Use CPT Code 15131

CPT code 15131 describes the procedure for a dermal autograft 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 15131?

CPT 15131 is used to describe the procedure for a dermal autograft on the trunk, arms, or legs. This code is used when additional 100 square centimeters of dermal tissue is transplanted in an adult or each additional 1 percent of body surface area in an infant or child. The procedure is listed separately in addition to the code for the primary procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15131 is: ‘Dermal autograft, trunk, arms, legs each additional 100 sq cm, or each additional 1% of body 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 CPT code 15130.

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 15131 involves the use of a dermatome to raise a split-thickness skin graft from the patient’s donor site. From the same site, a dermatome is then used to harvest dermal tissue that is 0.01 inches in depth. This dermal tissue is then transplanted to the patient’s recipient burn or wound site on the trunk, arms, and/or legs to effect closure. The split-thickness skin graft is reattached to the donor site on the edges that were previously raised. This procedure includes each additional 100 square centimeters in an adult or each additional 1 percent of body surface area in an infant or child.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 15131 is used for patients who require a dermal autograft on the trunk, arms, or legs. This procedure is typically performed on patients with burns or wounds that require closure. The additional 100 square centimeters of dermal tissue or each additional 1 percent of body surface area in infants and children is necessary to achieve complete closure and promote healing.

5. When to use CPT code 15131

CPT code 15131 should be used when a dermal autograft is performed on the trunk, arms, or legs and additional 100 square centimeters of dermal tissue or each additional 1 percent of body surface area in infants and children is transplanted. This code should be used in conjunction with the primary procedure code, CPT code 15130.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 15131, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for a dermal autograft
• Specific details of the procedure, including the size of the dermal tissue transplanted
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 15131, ensure that the procedure is performed on the trunk, arms, or legs and that additional 100 square centimeters of dermal tissue or each additional 1 percent of body surface area in infants and children is transplanted. This code should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code, CPT code 15130. Modifier 51 may be used to indicate multiple procedures performed during the same session.

8. Historical information

CPT code 15131 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 extensive burns on their legs requires a dermal autograft. The surgeon performs the procedure, transplanting an additional 200 square centimeters of dermal tissue. CPT code 15131 should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code, CPT code 15130.
2. An infant with a large wound on their arm requires a dermal autograft. The surgeon performs the procedure, transplanting an additional 2 percent of body surface area of dermal tissue. CPT code 15131 should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code, CPT code 15130.
3. A child with a burn on their trunk requires a dermal autograft. The surgeon performs the procedure, transplanting an additional 1 percent of body surface area of dermal tissue. CPT code 15131 should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code, CPT code 15130.