How To Use CPT Code 15833
CPT code 15833 describes the excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on the leg. 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 15833?
CPT code 15833 is used to describe the excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on the leg. This procedure involves the removal of excess fat and loose skin through a horizontal incision using a scalpel. The physician may also use a cannula or hollow needles to suction out excess fat. The excision of excessive loose skin is performed using a scalpel and cautery.
2. Official Description
The official description of CPT code 15833 is: ‘Excision, excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue (includes lipectomy) leg.’
3. Procedure
- The physician makes a horizontal incision with a scalpel over the leg area.
- Excess fat is removed using a scalpel, cannula, or hollow needles.
- Excessive loose skin is elliptically excised using a scalpel and cautery.
4. Qualifying circumstances
CPT code 15833 is used for patients who require the removal of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on the leg. This procedure is typically performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve mobility and function. It is important to note that medical necessity should be established before performing this procedure.
5. When to use CPT code 15833
CPT code 15833 should be used when a physician performs the excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on the leg. This code is specific to the leg area and should not be used for similar procedures on other parts of the body.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT code 15833, the physician must document the following information:
- Reason for the procedure and medical necessity
- Details of the excision, including the location and size of the incision
- Method used for removing excess fat
- Method used for excising excessive loose skin
- Any complications or additional procedures performed
- Signature of the performing physician
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT code 15833, ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of the code. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and any associated modifiers. Additionally, it is crucial to review the payer’s policies and guidelines to ensure proper reimbursement.
8. Historical information
CPT code 15833 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There was a code change on January 1, 2007, which updated the description to include lipectomy.
9. Examples
- A patient undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on their leg to improve mobility and function.
- A patient undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on their leg for cosmetic reasons.
- A patient with significant weight loss undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on their leg to remove excess skin.
- A patient with a medical condition that causes excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on their leg undergoes excision to alleviate symptoms.
- A patient with a history of trauma undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on their leg to repair the affected area.
- A patient with a congenital anomaly undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on their leg to improve their appearance.
- A patient with a chronic condition undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on their leg to prevent further complications.
- A patient with a previous surgical procedure undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on their leg to correct any irregularities.
- A patient with a skin condition undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on their leg to improve their overall skin health.
- A patient with a history of infection undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue on their leg to remove any affected tissue.
