How To Use CPT Code 15773

CPT code 15773 describes the grafting of autologous fat harvested by liposuction technique to various areas of the body, such as the face, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, and 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 15773?

CPT code 15773 is used to describe the grafting of autologous fat that has been harvested using a liposuction technique. This fat is then injected into specific areas of the body, including the face, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, and feet. The code represents the use of 25 cc or less of autologous fat for injection.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15773 is: ‘Grafting of autologous fat harvested by liposuction technique to face, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, and/or feet 25 cc or less injectate.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 15773 involves several steps:

1. The provider injects a local anesthetic in the donor area to control bleeding.
2. Using a multiport cannula connected to a syringe, the provider harvests autologous fat from one or more donor sites, such as the abdomen, hips, or upper inner thigh.
3. The harvested fat is processed, which may involve centrifugation or other techniques to separate the fat from other components.
4. The provider makes small incisions over the recipient sites and inserts a small cannula.
5. Using a fanned-out pattern, the provider injects the fat into the recipient sites, creating tunnels at varying depths.
6. Once the desired results are achieved, the provider removes the cannula and closes the incisions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 15773 is used when autologous fat grafting is performed using a liposuction technique. The procedure is typically performed to fill in defects or reshape contours in areas such as the face, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, and feet. The use of 25 cc or less of autologous fat for injection qualifies for this code.

5. When to use CPT code 15773

CPT code 15773 should be used when a provider performs autologous fat grafting using a liposuction technique and injects 25 cc or less of fat into the specified areas of the body. It is important to note that this code should only be reported once per session.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 15773, the provider must document the following information:

• The specific areas of the body where the autologous fat was injected
• The amount of fat injected (25 cc or less)
• The liposuction technique used to harvest the fat
• The processing technique used to prepare the fat for injection
• The date of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Any complications or adverse events
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 15773, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to report this code only once per session. If additional 25 cc increments of autologous fat are injected, report the primary procedure with the additional code +15774. It is also important to note that there are other specific codes for autologous fat grafting to different areas of the body, such as the trunk, breasts, scalp, arms, and legs.

8. Historical information

CPT code 15773 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2020. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT code 15773

There are several similar codes to CPT code 15773 that represent different procedures or variations of autologous fat grafting. These include:

• CPT code 15771: Grafting of autologous fat to trunk, breasts, scalp, arms, and/or legs, 50 cc or less injectate
• CPT code 15772: Each additional 50 cc injectate, or part thereof, beyond 50 cc
• CPT code 15769: Grafting of autologous soft tissue (fat, dermis, or fascia) harvested by direct excision
• CPT code 15770: Grafting of composite dermis-fat-fascia

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes autologous fat grafting to fill in facial defects caused by aging.
2. A provider performs autologous fat grafting to reshape the contours of the hands for a patient with age-related volume loss.
3. An individual receives autologous fat grafting to enhance the appearance of their genitalia.
4. A patient undergoes autologous fat grafting to correct asymmetry in their ears.
5. A provider performs autologous fat grafting to fill in defects in the neck area for a patient who has undergone previous surgery.
6. An individual receives autologous fat grafting to enhance the volume and shape of their lips.
7. A patient undergoes autologous fat grafting to fill in depressions in the orbital area.
8. A provider performs autologous fat grafting to reshape the contours of the feet for a patient with foot deformities.
9. An individual receives autologous fat grafting to fill in facial defects caused by trauma.
10. A patient undergoes autologous fat grafting to enhance the appearance of their mouth and correct lip asymmetry.