How To Use CPT Code 15570

CPT code 15570 describes the formation of a direct or tubed pedicle, with or without transfer to the trunk. 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 15570?

CPT 15570 is used to describe the formation of a direct or tubed pedicle, with or without transfer to the trunk. This procedure involves the preparation of a skin flap using the patient’s healthy skin and tissue to cover an injury or wound on the body. The flap may or may not be transferred to the recipient site. This code specifically applies to pedicle flaps on the trunk.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15570 is: ‘Formation of direct or tubed pedicle, with or without transfer to trunk.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure, the healthcare provider prepares a direct or tubed pedicle flap by incising and lifting the edges from a healthy part of the patient’s skin and tissue. For a tubed pedicle, the provider stitches the edges together to give the skin a tubular shape. The flap may be attached to the recipient site after cleaning it. The pedicle flap remains connected to both the donor and recipient sites, allowing the recipient site to receive blood supply from the donor site for nourishment and tissue growth. This procedure is specifically performed on the trunk.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 15570 is used for patients who require the formation of a direct or tubed pedicle flap on the trunk to cover an injury or wound. The procedure is typically performed when the patient’s healthy skin and tissue are available for the flap. The decision to perform this procedure is based on the patient’s specific clinical circumstances and the provider’s judgment.

5. When to use CPT code 15570

CPT code 15570 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the formation of a direct or tubed pedicle flap on the trunk, with or without transfer to the recipient site. This code is specific to the trunk and should not be used for procedures performed on other body parts.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 15570, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or reason for the procedure
• Description of the direct or tubed pedicle flap formation
• Details of any transfer to the recipient site, if applicable
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or complications
• Provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 15570, ensure that the procedure involves the formation of a direct or tubed pedicle flap on the trunk. If the flap is transferred to the recipient site at a separate operative session, use code 15650. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and instructions provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 15570 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1992. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 15570

There are several similar codes to CPT code 15570 that are used for different procedures. These include:

• CPT 15571: Formation of direct or tubed pedicle, with or without transfer to head or neck
• CPT 15572: Formation of direct or tubed pedicle, with or without transfer to upper extremity
• CPT 15573: Formation of direct or tubed pedicle, with or without transfer to lower extremity
• CPT 15574: Formation of direct or tubed pedicle, with or without transfer to genitalia
• CPT 15576: Formation of direct or tubed pedicle, with or without transfer to other sites

9. Examples

1. A plastic surgeon performing the formation of a direct pedicle flap on the trunk to cover a large abdominal wound.
2. A reconstructive surgeon creating a tubed pedicle flap on the trunk for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.
3. A dermatologist performing the formation of a direct pedicle flap on the trunk to cover a skin defect caused by trauma.
4. A general surgeon using a tubed pedicle flap on the trunk to close a complex wound resulting from an abdominal surgery.
5. A burn specialist performing the formation of a direct pedicle flap on the trunk to cover a burn injury.
6. A plastic surgeon creating a tubed pedicle flap on the trunk for reconstruction of a large chest wall defect.
7. A reconstructive surgeon using a direct pedicle flap on the trunk to cover a soft tissue defect caused by tumor resection.
8. A dermatologist performing the formation of a tubed pedicle flap on the trunk to close a chronic non-healing wound.
9. A general surgeon using a direct pedicle flap on the trunk to cover an abdominal incisional hernia.
10. A plastic surgeon creating a tubed pedicle flap on the trunk for reconstruction of a complex wound resulting from trauma.