How To Use CPT Code 15600

CPT code 15600 describes the procedure of delaying a flap or sectioning of a flap at 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 15600?

CPT 15600 is a code used to describe the procedure of delaying a flap or sectioning of a flap at the trunk. This procedure involves dividing a previously created pedicled flap from its base and completing the inset of the graft at the trunk. The provider also repairs the remaining wound where the flap was pedicled.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15600 is: ‘Delay of flap or sectioning of flap (division and inset) at trunk.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 15600 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider divides a previously created pedicled flap from its base at the donor site.
3. The remnant portion of the flap base is sutured back to the donor site.
4. The provider completes the inset of the graft at the recipient site of the trunk.
5. The provider closes both the donor and recipient sites in layers.

A pedicle flap is a full-thickness graft that consists of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and/or muscle. It is taken from a healthy area near a defect and rotated to cover the defect. The flap is left long enough for the blood vessels of the flap to establish connection with surrounding vessels at the recipient site. Once a good vascular connection is established, the base of the pedicle flap at the donor site is severed, and both the donor and recipient sites are completely closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 15600 is performed during the 90-day global period of the initial skin graft procedure and is considered a staged or planned second surgery. It is important to add modifier 58, Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician, to CPT 15600 when reporting this procedure. If a skin graft or flap is necessary to close the donor site after division of the pedicle, that procedure may be reported separately.

5. When to use CPT code 15600

CPT code 15600 should be used when the provider performs the procedure of delaying a flap or sectioning of a flap at the trunk. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed during the 90-day global period of the initial skin graft procedure and that modifier 58 is added to indicate a staged or related procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15600, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for delaying a flap or sectioning of a flap
• Details of the procedure performed, including the division of the pedicled flap and the completion of the inset at the trunk
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Details of any additional procedures performed, such as a skin graft or flap closure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 15600, it is important to add modifier 58 to indicate a staged or related procedure. This procedure should be reported during the 90-day global period of the initial skin graft procedure. If a skin graft or flap closure is performed, that procedure may be reported separately.

8. Historical information

CPT 15600 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 plastic surgeon performing a delayed flap procedure to repair a defect on the trunk.
2. A reconstructive surgeon dividing a pedicled flap and completing the inset at the trunk to cover a wound.
3. A dermatologist performing a sectioning of a flap at the trunk to improve the cosmetic appearance of a scar.
4. A general surgeon delaying a flap to ensure optimal blood supply to the recipient site on the trunk.
5. A maxillofacial surgeon performing a delayed flap procedure to reconstruct a defect on the trunk.
6. A vascular surgeon sectioning a flap and completing the inset at the trunk to treat a chronic wound.
7. A plastic surgeon performing a delayed flap procedure to repair a defect caused by trauma on the trunk.
8. A reconstructive surgeon dividing a pedicled flap and completing the inset at the trunk to cover a surgical site.
9. A dermatologist performing a sectioning of a flap at the trunk to remove a skin lesion.
10. A general surgeon delaying a flap to ensure optimal healing of a wound on the trunk.