How To Use CPT Code 15620

CPT code 15620 describes the procedure of delaying a flap or sectioning of a flap at various locations on the body, such as the forehead, cheeks, chin, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, or feet. 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 15620?

CPT 15620 is a code used to describe the procedure of delaying a flap or sectioning of a flap at specific locations on the body. This procedure involves dividing a previously created pedicled flap from its base and completing the inset of the graft at the recipient site. The remaining wound where the flap was pedicled is also repaired by the healthcare provider.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15620 is: ‘Delay of flap or sectioning of flap (division and inset) at forehead, cheeks, chin, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, or feet.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 15620 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The healthcare 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 healthcare provider completes the inset of the graft at the recipient site, which can be located on the forehead, cheeks, chin, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, or feet.
5. The healthcare provider closes both the donor and recipient sites in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 15620 is performed on patients who require a delay of flap or sectioning of flap procedure. This procedure is typically 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 note that 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 15620

CPT code 15620 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a delay of flap or sectioning of flap procedure at specific locations on the body, such as the forehead, cheeks, chin, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, or feet. This code should be reported when the procedure is performed as a staged or planned second surgery during the 90-day global period of the initial skin graft procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15620, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for a delay of flap or sectioning of flap procedure
• Specific location of the procedure (forehead, cheeks, chin, neck, axillae, genitalia, hands, or feet)
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the division of the pedicled flap, completion of the inset of the graft, and repair of the remaining wound
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 15620, ensure that the procedure is performed as a staged or planned second surgery during the 90-day global period of the initial skin graft procedure. It is important to add modifier 58, Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician, to CPT 15620 when reporting this procedure. Additionally, if a skin graft or flap is necessary to close the donor site after division of the pedicle, that procedure may be reported separately.

8. Historical information

CPT 15620 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 15620

There are several similar codes to CPT 15620 that describe related procedures. These codes include:

• CPT 15570: Immediate flap or graft closure of open wound of neck, hands, feet, and/or external genitalia; defect 10 sq cm or less
• CPT 15572: Immediate flap or graft closure of open wound of neck, hands, feet, and/or external genitalia; defect 30 sq cm or less
• CPT 15574: Immediate flap or graft closure of open wound of neck, hands, feet, and/or external genitalia; defect 60 sq cm or less
• CPT 15576: Immediate flap or graft closure of open wound of neck, hands, feet, and/or external genitalia; defect over 60 sq cm
• CPT 15738: Implantation of biologic implant (eg, acellular dermal matrix) for soft tissue reinforcement (eg, breast, trunk)

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a delay of flap procedure on a patient’s forehead to prepare for a subsequent skin graft.
2. A patient undergoes sectioning of a flap on their hands to improve the healing of a wound.
3. A healthcare provider performs a delay of flap procedure on a patient’s neck to optimize the outcome of a future reconstructive surgery.
4. A patient undergoes sectioning of a flap on their feet to facilitate the healing of a chronic ulcer.
5. A healthcare provider performs a delay of flap procedure on a patient’s genitalia to prepare for a subsequent reconstructive surgery.
6. A patient undergoes sectioning of a flap on their cheeks to improve the healing of a facial wound.
7. A healthcare provider performs a delay of flap procedure on a patient’s chin to optimize the outcome of a future reconstructive surgery.
8. A patient undergoes sectioning of a flap on their axillae to facilitate the healing of a surgical wound.
9. A healthcare provider performs a delay of flap procedure on a patient’s hands to prepare for a subsequent reconstructive surgery.
10. A patient undergoes sectioning of a flap on their feet to improve the healing of a chronic ulcer.