How To Use CPT Code 15834

CPT code 15834 describes the excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue, including lipectomy, in the hip area. 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 15834?

CPT 15834 is used to describe the surgical removal of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area. This procedure may also include the removal of excess fat using a cannula or hollow needles. The excision of loose skin is performed using a scalpel and cautery.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15834 is: ‘Excision, excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue (includes lipectomy) hip.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician makes a horizontal incision over the hip area using a scalpel.
2. Excess fat is removed using a cannula or hollow needles through suction.
3. Excessive loose skin is elliptically excised using a scalpel and cautery.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 15834 is performed on patients who have excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area. This procedure is typically done for cosmetic reasons or to improve mobility and comfort. The patient must meet the criteria for excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area, as determined by the physician.

5. When to use CPT code 15834

CPT code 15834 should be used when a physician performs the excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area. This code is specific to the hip and should not be used for similar procedures on other parts of the body.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15834, the physician must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, removal of excess fat, and excision of loose skin
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the physician performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 15834, ensure that the procedure is performed on the hip area and includes the excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer. CPT code 15834 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures are performed during the same session.

8. Historical information

CPT code 15834 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code description was updated on January 1, 2007 to include lipectomy.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area to improve mobility and comfort.
2. A cosmetic procedure is performed to remove excess skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area.
3. A patient with significant weight loss undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area to achieve a more contoured appearance.
4. A patient with a medical condition that causes excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area undergoes excision to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.
5. A patient undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area as part of a reconstructive surgery following trauma or injury.
6. A patient with a congenital condition undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area to correct a physical deformity.
7. A patient undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area to address complications from a previous surgery.
8. A patient undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area to improve the fit and function of prosthetic devices.
9. A patient with a chronic skin condition undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area to alleviate symptoms and improve overall skin health.
10. A patient undergoes excision of excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue in the hip area as part of a gender-affirming procedure.