How To Use CPT Code 15775

CPT code 15775 describes the procedure for punch grafting in hair transplant surgeries. 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 15775?

CPT 15775 is used to describe the process of punch grafting in hair transplant surgeries. This procedure involves the provider preparing 1 to 15 hair grafts from a site on the scalp that bears hair. The provider then creates small holes in the target site using a punching instrument and transfers the grafts to that area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15775 is: ‘Punch graft for hair transplant 1 to 15 punch grafts.’

3. Procedure

In the punch grafting procedure, the provider begins by preparing the patient, ensuring they are appropriately prepped and anesthetized. The provider then excises punch grafts, which are small pieces of scalp with hair, using a punching instrument. Next, the provider creates small holes in the skin of the scalp, known as the recipient site. The hair grafts are harvested from these holes and transferred to the recipient site. Finally, the provider closes the donor site using sutures. This procedure promotes hair growth in areas that are devoid of hair.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible for CPT 15775 are those who require punch grafting for hair transplant surgeries. This procedure is typically performed on individuals with hair loss or balding in specific areas of the scalp. The provider must use a punching instrument to create the grafts and transfer them to the recipient site. The number of grafts prepared should be between 1 and 15.

5. When to use CPT code 15775

CPT code 15775 should be used when the provider performs punch grafting for hair transplant surgeries and prepares between 1 and 15 grafts. If the number of grafts exceeds 15, a different code, such as CPT code 15776, should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15775, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and indication for punch grafting
• Number of grafts prepared (between 1 and 15)
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of a punching instrument and the transfer of grafts to the recipient site
• Any additional relevant information or complications
• Provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 15775, ensure that the procedure involves the preparation of 1 to 15 punch grafts for hair transplant. It is important to use the correct code based on the number of grafts prepared. If more than 15 grafts are prepared, use CPT code 15776 instead. Additionally, follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or insurance company.

8. Historical information

CPT code 15775 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. Similar codes to CPT 15775

There are several similar codes to CPT 15775 that are used for different scenarios or quantities of punch grafts. These include:

• CPT 15776: This code is used when more than 15 punch grafts are prepared for hair transplant surgeries.

9. Examples

1. A provider prepares 10 punch grafts for a patient with hair loss in the frontal hairline.
2. During a hair transplant surgery, the provider prepares 5 punch grafts for a patient with thinning hair on the crown of their head.
3. A patient undergoes punch grafting for hair transplant, and the provider prepares 3 grafts to address a receding hairline.
4. For a patient with hair loss in the temples, the provider prepares 8 punch grafts during the hair transplant surgery.
5. A provider performs punch grafting and prepares 12 grafts to address hair loss in the vertex area of the scalp.
6. During a hair transplant procedure, the provider prepares 6 punch grafts to fill in a scar on the scalp.
7. A patient undergoes punch grafting for hair transplant, and the provider prepares 2 grafts to address hair loss in the eyebrows.
8. For a patient with hair loss in the sideburns, the provider prepares 7 punch grafts during the hair transplant surgery.
9. A provider performs punch grafting and prepares 4 grafts to address hair loss in the beard area.
10. During a hair transplant procedure, the provider prepares 9 punch grafts to fill in a bald spot on the scalp.