How To Use CPT Code 15860

CPT code 15860 describes the intravenous injection of an agent, such as fluorescein, to test the vascular flow in a flap or graft. 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 15860?

CPT 15860 is used to describe the procedure of injecting an illuminating dye, typically fluorescein, intravenously to assess the blood flow in grafted tissue. This code is used when a healthcare provider wants to ensure that a graft has an adequate blood supply and will remain healthy.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 15860 is: ‘Intravenous injection of agent (eg, fluorescein) to test vascular flow in flap or graft.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 15860 involves the following steps:

1. The healthcare provider selects an illuminating dye, such as fluorescein, to be injected intravenously.
2. The provider injects the dye into the patient’s vein.
3. The provider then examines the grafted tissue under a Wood’s lamp or other source of ultraviolet light to observe the flow of blood around or inside the flap or graft.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 15860 is used when a healthcare provider needs to assess the blood flow in a flap or graft. This procedure is typically performed when there is a need to ensure that the graft has a sufficient blood supply to remain healthy. The use of an illuminating dye, such as fluorescein, allows the provider to visualize the flow of blood in and around the grafted tissue.

5. When to use CPT code 15860

CPT code 15860 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the intravenous injection of an agent, such as fluorescein, to test the vascular flow in a flap or graft. This code is appropriate when the provider wants to assess the blood supply of the grafted tissue and ensure its viability.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 15860, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The reason for performing the procedure, including the need to assess the blood flow in the flap or graft
• The specific agent used for the intravenous injection, such as fluorescein
• The date and time of the procedure
• The method used to examine the grafted tissue, such as a Wood’s lamp or other ultraviolet light source
• The findings of the procedure, including any abnormalities or concerns
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 15860, ensure that the procedure involves the intravenous injection of an agent, such as fluorescein, to test the vascular flow in a flap or graft. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 15860 with other codes. However, it is important to follow any applicable payer guidelines and modifiers if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 15860 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code description was updated on January 1, 2002, to specify the testing of blood flow in a flap or graft.

9. Similar codes to CPT 15860

There are no similar codes to CPT 15860 within the range of other repair (closure) procedures on the integumentary system (15780-15879).

9. Examples

1. A plastic surgeon performing an intravenous injection of fluorescein to assess the blood flow in a skin graft.
2. A reconstructive surgeon using an illuminating dye to test the vascular flow in a flap used for breast reconstruction.
3. A dermatologist injecting an agent intravenously to evaluate the blood supply in a skin graft for a burn patient.
4. A vascular surgeon performing an intravenous injection of an illuminating dye to assess the blood flow in a bypass graft.
5. A maxillofacial surgeon using fluorescein to test the vascular flow in a bone graft for facial reconstruction.
6. A hand surgeon injecting an agent intravenously to evaluate the blood supply in a finger replantation.
7. A plastic surgeon performing an intravenous injection of an illuminating dye to assess the blood flow in a tissue flap used for nasal reconstruction.
8. A general surgeon using fluorescein to test the vascular flow in a skin graft for a patient with a chronic wound.
9. A reconstructive surgeon injecting an agent intravenously to evaluate the blood supply in a muscle flap used for lower limb reconstruction.
10. A plastic surgeon performing an intravenous injection of an illuminating dye to assess the blood flow in a tissue graft used for scar revision.