How To Use CPT Code 15842

CPT code 15842 describes the grafting procedure for facial nerve paralysis using a free muscle flap by microsurgical technique. 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 15842?

CPT 15842 is used to describe the grafting procedure for facial nerve paralysis. This procedure involves the removal of a piece of muscle tissue from another area of the body, such as the back, chest, abdomen, or thigh, and attaching it to the face to restore a more normal appearance in patients suffering from facial nerve paralysis. The procedure is performed using microsurgical techniques, which involve the use of a surgical microscope and small instruments to connect the tiny vessels in the grafted tissue to the vessels in its new location in the face.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15842 is: ‘Graft for facial nerve paralysis free muscle flap by microsurgical technique.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes a horizontal or longitudinal incision to remove a piece of muscle tissue from areas such as the gracilis, pectoralis minor, latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, rectus femoris, or extensor digitorum brevis.
3. The cut muscle is then transplanted to the affected area of the face using microsurgical technique.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 15842 is used for patients with facial nerve paralysis who require a grafting procedure to restore facial movement and appearance. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional using microsurgical techniques.

5. When to use CPT code 15842

CPT code 15842 should be used when a grafting procedure is performed for facial nerve paralysis using a free muscle flap and microsurgical technique. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15842, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of facial nerve paralysis
• Details of the grafting procedure, including the specific muscle tissue used
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as the size of the graft or any complications encountered
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 15842, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the payer and to accurately document the procedure to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 15842 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. Examples

1. A patient with facial nerve paralysis undergoes a grafting procedure using a free muscle flap from the latissimus dorsi muscle.
2. A healthcare professional performs a grafting procedure for facial nerve paralysis using a free muscle flap from the rectus abdominis muscle.
3. A patient with facial nerve paralysis undergoes a grafting procedure using a free muscle flap from the gracilis muscle.
4. A healthcare professional performs a grafting procedure for facial nerve paralysis using a free muscle flap from the pectoralis minor muscle.
5. A patient with facial nerve paralysis undergoes a grafting procedure using a free muscle flap from the rectus femoris muscle.
6. A healthcare professional performs a grafting procedure for facial nerve paralysis using a free muscle flap from the extensor digitorum brevis muscle.
7. A patient with facial nerve paralysis undergoes a grafting procedure using a free muscle flap from the latissimus dorsi muscle.
8. A healthcare professional performs a grafting procedure for facial nerve paralysis using a free muscle flap from the rectus abdominis muscle.
9. A patient with facial nerve paralysis undergoes a grafting procedure using a free muscle flap from the gracilis muscle.
10. A healthcare professional performs a grafting procedure for facial nerve paralysis using a free muscle flap from the pectoralis minor muscle.