How To Use CPT Code 15220

CPT code 15220 describes the procedure for a full-thickness skin graft, free, including direct closure of the donor site, on the scalp, arms, and/or legs that is 20 square centimeters or less in size. 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 15220?

CPT 15220 is a code used to describe the procedure for a full-thickness skin graft, free, on the scalp, arms, and/or legs that is 20 square centimeters or less in size. This procedure involves removing skin from a donor site and transferring it to the recipient bed. Both the donor and recipient sites are then closed for healing. This code is specifically used for grafts that are 20 square centimeters or less in size.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15220 is: ‘Full thickness graft, free, including direct closure of donor site, scalp, arms, and/or legs 20 sq cm or less.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician assesses the patient’s condition and determines the need for a full-thickness skin graft.
2. The physician selects the appropriate donor site and prepares it for grafting.
3. The physician removes the full-thickness skin graft from the donor site.
4. The physician transfers the graft to the recipient bed on the scalp, arms, and/or legs.
5. The physician closes both the donor and recipient sites for healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 15220 is used for patients who require a full-thickness skin graft on the scalp, arms, and/or legs that is 20 square centimeters or less in size. The procedure is typically performed by a physician and involves the removal of skin from a donor site and its transfer to the recipient bed. The patient must meet the criteria for needing a full-thickness skin graft, and the size of the graft must be within the specified range.

5. When to use CPT code 15220

CPT code 15220 should be used when a physician performs a full-thickness skin graft on the scalp, arms, and/or legs that is 20 square centimeters or less in size. This code is specific to grafts within this size range and should not be used for larger grafts. If the graft size exceeds 20 square centimeters, an additional add-on code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15220, the physician must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for a full-thickness skin graft
• Size and location of the graft
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the donor site and recipient bed
• Method of closure for both the donor and recipient sites
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the physician performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 15220, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a full-thickness skin graft on the scalp, arms, and/or legs that is 20 square centimeters or less in size. Use the appropriate CPT code based on the size of the graft. If the graft size exceeds 20 square centimeters, an additional add-on code should be used. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 15220 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician performing a full-thickness skin graft on a patient’s scalp, covering an area of 15 square centimeters.
2. A physician performing a full-thickness skin graft on a patient’s leg, covering an area of 10 square centimeters.
3. A physician performing a full-thickness skin graft on a patient’s arm, covering an area of 18 square centimeters.
4. A physician performing a full-thickness skin graft on a patient’s scalp and leg, covering a total area of 25 square centimeters (CPT 15220 with add-on code 15221).
5. A physician performing a full-thickness skin graft on a patient’s arm and leg, covering a total area of 30 square centimeters (CPT 15220 with add-on code 15221).
6. A physician performing a full-thickness skin graft on a patient’s scalp and arm, covering a total area of 22 square centimeters (CPT 15220 with add-on code 15221).
7. A physician performing a full-thickness skin graft on a patient’s scalp, arm, and leg, covering a total area of 35 square centimeters (CPT 15220 with add-on codes 15221 and 15221).
8. A physician performing a full-thickness skin graft on a patient’s leg, covering an area of 5 square centimeters.
9. A physician performing a full-thickness skin graft on a patient’s arm, covering an area of 12 square centimeters.
10. A physician performing a full-thickness skin graft on a patient’s scalp, covering an area of 8 square centimeters.