How To Use CPT Code 15782

CPT code 15782 describes a procedure called dermabrasion regional, which involves the removal of acne scars, lesions, or tattoos from an area of the body other than the face. 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 15782?

CPT code 15782 is used to describe the dermabrasion regional procedure, which is performed to remove acne scars, lesions, or tattoos from a specific area of the body other than the face. During this procedure, the provider uses a specialized tool to lightly sand the surface of the skin, resulting in the removal of the targeted imperfections.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15782 is: ‘Dermabrasion regional, other than face.’

3. Procedure

The dermabrasion regional procedure involves several steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider holds the skin taught and uses a dermabrader tool with removable tips to smooth the skin.
3. Tips of different sizes, shapes, and surfaces are used to achieve the desired level of abrasion, such as a sander, wire brush, or diamond wheel.
4. In areas where scarring leaves pits, the provider abrades the surface around the depression.
5. In some cases, manual abrasion with sandpaper may be performed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 15782 is used when the dermabrasion regional procedure is performed to remove acne scars, lesions, or tattoos from an area of the body other than the face. It is important to note that while most payers consider dermabrasion a cosmetic treatment, reimbursement may be possible if the patient has superficial basal cell carcinoma or precancerous actinic keratoses.

5. When to use CPT code 15782

CPT code 15782 should be used when the provider performs the dermabrasion regional procedure to remove acne scars, lesions, or tattoos from an area of the body other than the face. It is important to ensure that the procedure is medically necessary and to obtain prior authorization from the patient’s payer if required.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 15782, the provider must document the following information:

• The specific reason for performing the dermabrasion regional procedure
• The area of the body from which the acne scars, lesions, or tattoos are being removed
• The date of the procedure
• The start and end time of the procedure
• The techniques and tools used during the procedure
• Any complications or adverse reactions
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 15782, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the necessary criteria. It should be reported with the appropriate diagnosis codes and any required modifiers. It is also important to check with the patient’s payer for any specific billing guidelines or requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT code 15782 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 15782

While there are no similar codes specifically related to dermabrasion regional, there are other codes within the range of other repair (closure) procedures on the integumentary system (15780-15879) that may be applicable for different types of procedures or regions of the body.

9. Examples

1. A provider performing dermabrasion regional to remove acne scars from the back of a patient.
2. A provider using dermabrasion regional to remove a lesion from the arm of a patient.
3. A provider performing dermabrasion regional to remove a tattoo from the leg of a patient.
4. A provider using dermabrasion regional to remove acne scars from the chest of a patient.
5. A provider performing dermabrasion regional to remove a lesion from the abdomen of a patient.
6. A provider using dermabrasion regional to remove a tattoo from the buttocks of a patient.
7. A provider performing dermabrasion regional to remove acne scars from the thigh of a patient.
8. A provider using dermabrasion regional to remove a lesion from the shoulder of a patient.
9. A provider performing dermabrasion regional to remove a tattoo from the back of the neck of a patient.
10. A provider using dermabrasion regional to remove acne scars from the forearm of a patient.