How To Use CPT Code 15760

CPT code 15760 describes the excision of a composite skin graft from a donor site, such as the external part of the patient’s ear or nasal ala, and its placement on a recipient site to cover defects. 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 15760?

CPT code 15760 is used to describe the excision of a composite skin graft from a donor site, which includes the full thickness of the external ear or nasal ala, along with the underlying cartilage. This graft is then placed on a recipient site to cover any defects or areas that require both skin and structural support.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15760 is: ‘Graft composite (eg, full thickness of external ear or nasal ala), including primary closure, donor area.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider preps and anesthetizes the patient appropriately.
2. The provider performs an excision of the composite skin graft from the donor area, which includes the full thickness of the external ear or nasal ala, along with the underlying cartilage.
3. The provider transfers the graft to the recipient site, covering any defects or areas that require both skin and structural support.
4. The provider closes the donor area with sutures and applies sterile dressing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 15760 is used when a composite skin graft is excised from the external ear or nasal ala, including the underlying cartilage, and placed on a recipient site. This procedure is typically performed when the recipient site requires both skin and structural support. The patient must meet the criteria for needing a composite skin graft, and the provider must document the medical necessity for the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 15760

CPT code 15760 should be used when the provider performs an excision of a composite skin graft from the external ear or nasal ala, including the underlying cartilage, and places it on a recipient site. This code is appropriate when the recipient site requires both skin and structural support, and the provider performs the procedure as described in the official description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 15760, the provider must document the following information:

• Medical necessity for the excision of the composite skin graft
• Specific details of the procedure, including the donor site and recipient site
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Details of the closure of the donor area, including the use of sutures
• Application of sterile dressing

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 15760, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. The provider should document the medical necessity for the procedure and include all required documentation. There are no specific billing guidelines or modifiers associated with this code.

8. Historical information

CPT code 15760 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 an excision of a composite skin graft from the external ear and placing it on a recipient site to cover a defect.
2. An otolaryngologist excising a composite skin graft from the nasal ala and transferring it to a recipient site to provide both skin and structural support.
3. A reconstructive surgeon performing an excision of a composite skin graft from the external ear and using it to cover a defect on the face.
4. A dermatologist excising a composite skin graft from the nasal ala and placing it on a recipient site to repair a defect.
5. A maxillofacial surgeon performing an excision of a composite skin graft from the external ear and using it to cover a defect in the oral cavity.
6. A plastic surgeon excising a composite skin graft from the nasal ala and transferring it to a recipient site to reconstruct the nose.
7. A reconstructive surgeon performing an excision of a composite skin graft from the external ear and using it to cover a defect on the scalp.
8. An otolaryngologist excising a composite skin graft from the nasal ala and placing it on a recipient site to repair a defect on the forehead.
9. A plastic surgeon performing an excision of a composite skin graft from the external ear and using it to cover a defect on the neck.
10. A dermatologist excising a composite skin graft from the nasal ala and transferring it to a recipient site to repair a defect on the cheek.