How To Use CPT Code 15787

CPT code 15787 describes the procedure of removing one to four additional lesions, such as scars or abnormal growths, by lightly sanding the surface of the skin with a specialized tool, after removing an initial lesion. 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 15787?

CPT 15787 is used to describe the procedure of removing one to four additional lesions from the skin’s surface. This procedure involves lightly sanding the skin with a specialized tool after removing an initial lesion. It is typically performed to address scars or abnormal growths on the skin.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15787 is: ‘Abrasion each additional 4 lesions or less (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with CPT code 15786, which describes the removal of a single lesion.

3. Procedure

In the procedure using CPT code 15787, the healthcare provider first removes an initial lesion from the skin. Afterward, if there are one to four additional lesions that need to be addressed, the provider lightly sands the surface of the skin using a specialized tool. This process helps to remove the remaining lesions and create a smoother appearance on the skin’s surface. The provider may mark the areas of the additional lesions using a pen or marker before performing the abrasion. The procedure aims to remove thin layers of skin until healthy tissue is visible underneath.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 15787 is used when there are one to four additional lesions that require removal after an initial lesion has been addressed. These additional lesions can include scars, keratoses, or other abnormal growths on the skin. The procedure is typically performed by a healthcare provider who is trained in dermatological procedures and has the necessary equipment and tools to perform the abrasion.

5. When to use CPT code 15787

CPT code 15787 should be used when there are one to four additional lesions that need to be removed after an initial lesion has been addressed. It is important to note that this code should only be reported in conjunction with CPT code 15786, which describes the removal of a single lesion. If there are more than four additional lesions, a different code or combination of codes may be more appropriate.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 15787, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The number of additional lesions removed
• The specific type of lesions (e.g., scars, keratoses)
• The date of the procedure
• The start and end time of the procedure
• Any relevant details about the procedure, such as the tools or equipment used
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 15787, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for this code. The provider should have removed an initial lesion and then performed the abrasion on one to four additional lesions. It is also important to report CPT code 15786 in conjunction with CPT code 15787. This code should not be reported if there are more than four additional lesions, as a different code or combination of codes may be more appropriate.

8. Historical information

CPT code 15787 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 code 15787

There are several similar codes to CPT code 15787 that describe procedures for the removal of lesions on the skin. These include:

• CPT code 15786: Abrasion single lesion, e.g., keratosis, scar
• CPT code 15788: Chemical peel, facial; epidermal
• CPT code 15789: Chemical peel, facial; dermal
• CPT code 15792: Chemical peel, nonfacial; epidermal
• CPT code 15793: Chemical peel, nonfacial; dermal

9. Examples

1. A dermatologist removes a scar from a patient’s face and performs an abrasion on three additional scars on the same area.
2. A plastic surgeon removes a keratosis from a patient’s arm and performs an abrasion on two additional keratoses on the same arm.
3. A dermatology nurse removes an abnormal growth from a patient’s leg and performs an abrasion on four additional abnormal growths on the same leg.
4. A cosmetic dermatologist removes a scar from a patient’s chest and performs an abrasion on one additional scar on the same area.
5. A dermatology resident removes a keratosis from a patient’s back and performs an abrasion on three additional keratoses on the same area.
6. A plastic surgery assistant removes an abnormal growth from a patient’s face and performs an abrasion on two additional abnormal growths on the same area.
7. A dermatologist removes a scar from a patient’s arm and performs an abrasion on four additional scars on the same arm.
8. A cosmetic dermatologist removes a keratosis from a patient’s leg and performs an abrasion on one additional keratosis on the same leg.
9. A dermatology nurse removes an abnormal growth from a patient’s chest and performs an abrasion on three additional abnormal growths on the same area.
10. A plastic surgeon removes a scar from a patient’s back and performs an abrasion on two additional scars on the same area.