How To Use CPT Code 15792

CPT code 15792 describes the application of chemical agents to the non-facial epidermal skin in a controlled manner to remove superficial scars, sun damage, or acne. 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 15792?

CPT 15792 can be used to describe the application of chemical agents to the non-facial epidermal skin to improve its texture and reduce fine lines caused by sun damage, acne, or rosacea. This code is used when a physician applies chemical peels to the superficial epidermal non-facial skin, not the dermal or deeper layers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15792 is: ‘Chemical peel, nonfacial epidermal.’

3. Procedure

In this procedure, the physician applies chemical solution, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, Jessner’s solution, retinoic acid, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), to the non-facial epidermal skin. The skin to be treated is thoroughly cleansed, and petroleum jelly may be applied to protect delicate areas. Local anesthetic may also be administered. The physician then carefully applies the chemical peel to the non-facial skin using cotton swabs or foam applicators. The procedure aims to improve the texture of the epidermal non-facial skin and reduce fine lines caused by sun damage, acne, or rosacea.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 15792 is appropriate for patients with superficial scars, sun damage, or acne on their non-facial epidermal skin. It is important to note that this code is specifically for the treatment of the epidermal layer and should not be used for deeper skin layers. The procedure should be performed by a physician using chemical agents such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, Jessner’s solution, retinoic acid, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

5. When to use CPT code 15792

CPT code 15792 should be used when a physician applies chemical agents to the non-facial epidermal skin to reduce fine lines caused by sun damage, acne, or rosacea. It should not be used for deeper skin layers or for other types of chemical peels. Other codes, such as 15788-15793, should be used for different types of chemical peels.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15792, the physician must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the chemical peel
• Specific chemical agents used for the peel
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the application method and areas treated
• Any complications or adverse reactions
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 15792, ensure that the procedure is performed by a physician and that it involves the application of chemical agents to the non-facial epidermal skin. It is important to use the appropriate code for the specific type of chemical peel being performed. For additional guidance on reporting chemical peels, refer to codes 15788-15793.

8. Historical information

CPT 15792 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 15792

Five similar codes to CPT 15792 include:

• CPT 15788: Chemical peel, facial; epidermal
• CPT 15789: Chemical peel, facial; dermal
• CPT 15793: Chemical peel, nonfacial; epidermal, full face
• CPT 15794: Chemical peel, nonfacial; dermal, full face
• CPT 15799: Unlisted procedure, epidermal peel (e.g., using salicylic acid, Jessner’s solution, trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid)

9. Examples

1. A physician applying a chemical peel to the non-facial epidermal skin of a patient with acne scars.
2. A physician performing a chemical peel on the non-facial epidermal skin of a patient with sun damage.
3. A physician using chemical agents to improve the texture of the non-facial epidermal skin in a patient with rosacea.
4. A physician applying a chemical peel to the non-facial epidermal skin of a patient with fine lines caused by sun damage.
5. A physician performing a chemical peel on the non-facial epidermal skin of a patient with acne.
6. A physician using chemical agents to reduce fine lines on the non-facial epidermal skin of a patient with rosacea.
7. A physician applying a chemical peel to the non-facial epidermal skin of a patient with sun damage.
8. A physician performing a chemical peel on the non-facial epidermal skin of a patient with acne scars.
9. A physician using chemical agents to improve the texture of the non-facial epidermal skin in a patient with fine lines caused by sun damage.
10. A physician applying a chemical peel to the non-facial epidermal skin of a patient with rosacea.