How To Use CPT Code 15150

CPT code 15150 describes the application of a tissue cultured skin autograft to cover an open wound or burn on the trunk, arms, or legs, measuring 25 square centimeters or less. 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 15150?

CPT 15150 is used to describe the application of a tissue cultured skin autograft to cover a small open wound or burn on the trunk, arms, or legs. This code specifically covers areas measuring 25 square centimeters or less.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15150 is: ‘Tissue cultured skin autograft, trunk, arms, legs first 25 sq cm or less.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 15150 involves the application of a tissue cultured skin autograft to cover a small open wound or burn on the trunk, arms, or legs. The provider uses skin that has been previously harvested from the patient and grown in a tissue culture to create the autograft. After the patient is prepped and anesthetized, the provider places the cultured skin graft over the area of the burn or wound measuring 25 square centimeters or less. The provider may use techniques such as staples or sutures to secure the graft to the skin. Harvesting of any autologous skin grafts used during the procedure is also included.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 15150 is used for patients who require the application of a tissue cultured skin autograft to cover a small open wound or burn on the trunk, arms, or legs. The procedure is typically performed when the area to be covered measures 25 square centimeters or less. The autograft used must be tissue that has been previously harvested from the patient and grown in a tissue culture. This procedure is performed on the same patient.

5. When to use CPT code 15150

CPT code 15150 should be used when a provider applies a tissue cultured skin autograft to cover a small open wound or burn on the trunk, arms, or legs, measuring 25 square centimeters or less. It is important to accurately measure the size of the area to ensure proper coding.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15150, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the tissue cultured skin autograft
• Size of the area to be covered by the autograft (25 square centimeters or less)
• Details of the procedure, including the use of any techniques to secure the graft
• Harvesting of any autologous skin grafts used during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 15150, ensure that the procedure involves the application of a tissue cultured skin autograft to cover an area measuring 25 square centimeters or less on the trunk, arms, or legs. It is important to accurately measure the size of the area to ensure proper coding. Additionally, harvesting of any autologous skin grafts used during the procedure should be included in the billing. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 15150 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 15150 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. Similar codes to CPT 15150

There are several similar codes to CPT 15150 that may be used in different circumstances. These include:

• CPT 15151: This add-on code is used to report each additional 1 square centimeter to 75 square centimeters of tissue cultured skin autograft applied in addition to CPT 15150.
• CPT 15040: This code is used to report the harvesting of autologous skin grafts used during the tissue cultured skin autograft procedure.

9. Examples

1. A provider applies a tissue cultured skin autograft to cover a 20 square centimeter burn on a patient’s leg.
2. A patient has a small open wound on their arm, measuring 10 square centimeters, which is covered with a tissue cultured skin autograft.
3. A provider applies a tissue cultured skin autograft to cover a 15 square centimeter burn on a patient’s trunk.
4. A patient has a small open wound on their leg, measuring 5 square centimeters, which is covered with a tissue cultured skin autograft.
5. A provider applies a tissue cultured skin autograft to cover a 25 square centimeter burn on a patient’s arm.
6. A patient has a small open wound on their trunk, measuring 12 square centimeters, which is covered with a tissue cultured skin autograft.
7. A provider applies a tissue cultured skin autograft to cover a 18 square centimeter burn on a patient’s leg.
8. A patient has a small open wound on their arm, measuring 8 square centimeters, which is covered with a tissue cultured skin autograft.
9. A provider applies a tissue cultured skin autograft to cover a 22 square centimeter burn on a patient’s trunk.
10. A patient has a small open wound on their leg, measuring 3 square centimeters, which is covered with a tissue cultured skin autograft.