How To Use CPT Code 15151

CPT code 15151 describes the use of tissue cultured skin autograft for the treatment of open wounds or burns 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 15151?

CPT 15151 is used to describe the application of tissue cultured skin autograft to cover open wounds or burns on the trunk, arms, or legs. This code is used for each additional 1 cm2 up to 75 cm2 of grafted skin after the first 25 cm2.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15151 is: ‘Tissue cultured skin autograft, trunk, arms, legs additional 1 sq cm to 75 sq cm (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported more than once per session and should be used in conjunction with code 15150.

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 15151 involves the use of tissue cultured epidermal autograft, which is skin harvested from the patient and grown in a lab. After the patient is prepped and anesthetized, the provider applies an additional 1 cm2 up to 75 cm2 of the autograft over the area of the burn or wound on the trunk, arms, or legs. 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 included.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 15151 is used for patients who require tissue cultured skin autograft to treat open wounds or burns on the trunk, arms, or legs. The procedure is performed using tissue that has been harvested from the same patient and grown in a lab. It is important to note that this code should not be reported more than once per session.

5. When to use CPT code 15151

CPT code 15151 should be used when a provider applies an additional 1 cm2 up to 75 cm2 of tissue cultured skin autograft to cover open wounds or burns on the trunk, arms, or legs. This code should be used in conjunction with code 15150 for the first 25 cm2 of grafted skin. It is important to note that this code should not be reported more than once per session.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15151, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for tissue cultured skin autograft
• Size of the grafted skin in cm2
• Date of the procedure
• Techniques used to secure the graft to the skin
• Harvesting of any autologous skin grafts used during the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 15151, ensure that the procedure involves the application of tissue cultured skin autograft to cover open wounds or burns on the trunk, arms, or legs. This code should not be reported more than once per session. It is important to use code 15150 in conjunction with code 15151 for the first 25 cm2 of grafted skin. Harvesting of the skin for the tissue cultured epidermal autograft is reported with code 15040.

8. Historical information

CPT 15151 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates to the code since its addition. However, it is important to note that the code description was changed on January 1, 2012 to specify ’tissue cultured epidermal autograft’ instead of ’tissue cultured skin autograft.’

9. Examples

1. A patient with a large burn on their leg requires tissue cultured skin autograft to cover the wound. The provider applies an additional 50 cm2 of autograft during the procedure.
2. An individual sustains a deep laceration on their arm that requires tissue cultured skin autograft for proper healing. The provider applies an additional 10 cm2 of autograft to cover the wound.
3. A patient with extensive burns on their trunk and legs undergoes a tissue cultured skin autograft procedure. The provider applies an additional 75 cm2 of autograft to cover the burns.
4. An individual with a large open wound on their leg requires tissue cultured skin autograft for wound closure. The provider applies an additional 30 cm2 of autograft during the procedure.
5. A burn patient with wounds on their arms and legs undergoes a tissue cultured skin autograft procedure. The provider applies an additional 20 cm2 of autograft to cover the burns.
6. An individual with a deep wound on their trunk requires tissue cultured skin autograft for proper healing. The provider applies an additional 5 cm2 of autograft to cover the wound.
7. A patient with extensive burns on their arms and legs undergoes a tissue cultured skin autograft procedure. The provider applies an additional 60 cm2 of autograft to cover the burns.
8. An individual with a large open wound on their leg requires tissue cultured skin autograft for wound closure. The provider applies an additional 15 cm2 of autograft during the procedure.