How To Use CPT Code 15740

CPT code 15740 describes the creation of an island pedicle flap that requires the identification and dissection of an anatomically named axial vessel. 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 15740?

CPT 15740 is used to describe the creation of an island pedicle flap that involves the identification and dissection of an anatomically named axial vessel. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to transfer healthy skin and tissue from a donor site to a recipient site. The flap created retains a connection to the axial vessel, ensuring a rich blood supply to the transplanted tissue.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15740 is: ‘Flap island pedicle requiring identification and dissection of an anatomically named axial vessel.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 15740 involves several steps:

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient by ensuring appropriate anesthesia and prepping the donor and recipient sites.
2. An incision is made around the healthy donor site, creating an island pedicle flap.
3. The provider carefully identifies and dissects the anatomically named axial vessel, which will provide the blood supply to the flap.
4. The flap is then transferred to the recipient site, typically by tunneling under the skin to preserve the blood supply.
5. The provider closes the donor and recipient sites and applies sterile dressings to promote healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 15740 is used when the healthcare provider creates an island pedicle flap that requires the identification and dissection of an anatomically named axial vessel. This procedure is typically performed to transfer healthy skin and tissue from a donor site to a recipient site, ensuring a rich blood supply to the transplanted tissue. It is important to note that CPT 15740 should be used when the procedure specifically involves the identification and dissection of the axial vessel.

5. When to use CPT code 15740

CPT code 15740 should be used when the healthcare provider performs the procedure that involves the creation of an island pedicle flap and requires the identification and dissection of an anatomically named axial vessel. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15740, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the need for an island pedicle flap
• Description of the anatomically named axial vessel identified and dissected
• Date of the procedure and the duration of the surgery
• Details of the donor and recipient sites
• Method used for transferring the flap to the recipient site
• Closure technique for the donor and recipient sites
• Post-operative care instructions
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 15740, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document the identification and dissection of the anatomically named axial vessel. Additionally, be aware of any applicable modifiers or guidelines provided by payers to ensure proper reimbursement for the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 15740 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A plastic surgeon performing CPT 15740 to transfer healthy skin and tissue from the thigh to the breast following a mastectomy.
2. A reconstructive surgeon using CPT 15740 to create an island pedicle flap with an anatomically named axial vessel to repair a large facial defect.
3. A hand surgeon performing CPT 15740 to transfer healthy tissue from the forearm to the hand to reconstruct a complex hand injury.
4. A maxillofacial surgeon using CPT 15740 to create an island pedicle flap with an anatomically named axial vessel to repair a defect in the jaw.
5. A dermatologic surgeon performing CPT 15740 to transfer healthy skin and tissue from the back to the nose to reconstruct a nasal defect.
6. A plastic surgeon using CPT 15740 to create an island pedicle flap with an anatomically named axial vessel to repair a defect in the scalp.
7. A reconstructive surgeon performing CPT 15740 to transfer healthy tissue from the abdomen to the chest to reconstruct a complex chest wall defect.
8. A vascular surgeon using CPT 15740 to create an island pedicle flap with an anatomically named axial vessel to repair a lower extremity wound.
9. A plastic surgeon performing CPT 15740 to transfer healthy skin and tissue from the buttock to the face to reconstruct a facial defect.
10. A reconstructive surgeon using CPT 15740 to create an island pedicle flap with an anatomically named axial vessel to repair a defect in the neck.